Meet Special Olympics Team BC athlete Kaylee Richter
A dedicated team player known for her positive attitude, Special Olympics BC – Smithers athlete Kaylee Richter is an accomplished member of the 2026 Special Olympics Team BC Training Squad.
Chasing personal bests
Alongside more than 205 athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Richter is set to compete at the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat, Alberta, this August. These competitors will be supported by 73 volunteer coaches and 18 mission staff, as well as their dedicated network of hometown coaches and supporters.
Richter is clear on her goals.
Strong swims, strong connections
Richter is no stranger to competition. She's been part of Special Olympics BC’s year-round programs since only 12 years old. Two years later, she competed in swimming at the 2018 Special Olympics Canada Games in Antigonish, Nova Scotia at 14 years old.
She named the competition as her favourite memory with Special Olympics. “It was a really good experience and it was a lot of fun,” she said.
To qualify for the upcoming 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games, Richter earned her spot after her strong performance at the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games in Prince George.
Reflecting on swimming at these Games, she said, “My performance felt good ... All my swims felt nice and smooth.”
Being named to the Special Olympics Team BC Training Squad 2026 is a meaningful achievement for Richter. She’s looking forward to making connections with people across Canada. “Being a part of the Special Olympics Team BC Training Squad 2026 means you get to meet new friends and new athletes,” she said.
Richter is known for her positive attitude and strong team spirit. “I’m a team player, I cheer everybody on, and I don’t get down,” she said.
When asked what she would tell others about Special Olympics, Richter’s message is simple and powerful: “We include everybody.”