Special Olympics BC – South Okanagan’s Lee Chic wins national award
A longtime leadership volunteer, coach, and fundraising champion, Special Olympics BC – South Okanagan’s Lee Chic has been named the deserving winner of the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Jim Thompson Award. Her recognition was announced and celebrated at the 2026 National Awards Night on November 9, hosted by TSN.
The Special Olympics Canada awards are presented annually to recognize the inspiring athletes, coaches, and volunteers from across the country who exemplify the spirit and essence of the Special Olympics movement.
Chic is a longtime volunteer and advocate for Special Olympics in B.C. and in the South Okanagan region. Her dedication, passion, and tireless efforts have made a lasting impact on the lives of Special Olympics athletes and on the Special Olympics movement.
Lee is truly a remarkable woman who has spent many, many hours in support of Special Olympics and the athletes.
Named in honour of the late Jim Thompson, former President of TSN and a dedicated Special Olympics champion, the SOC Jim Thompson Award recognizes an operational volunteer who has made a significant contribution to the Special Olympics movement locally, provincially, and/or nationally.
In 2026, Chic also won the Special Olympics BC President’s Award in recognition of her significant impact as a leadership volunteer. In 2018, she was named to the SOBC Hall of Fame as a Local Builder. Induction into the Hall of Fame celebrates the most outstanding of achievements and contributions, and is one of the highest honours bestowed within the Special Olympics BC organization.
“It’s remarkable to be part of such a strong family and community of people that care so deeply for our athletes,” Chic says.
Over two decades of service, Chic has taken on a wide variety of leadership roles, including Local Coordinator, Program Coordinator, fundraising leadership, and coaching 5-pin bowling. Her dedication, insights, and versatility have made her an invaluable resource to athletes and volunteers alike.
For many years, Chic successfully oversaw SOBC – South Okanagan’s operations. She organized sport programs and activities, led fundraising efforts, managed financial records, coordinated annual meetings, oversaw equipment storage, organized Club Fit opportunities, and even assisted with athlete transportation when needed.
“Lee has been the main person in our Local. If not for her and her enthusiasm for Special Olympics and the local athletes, our Local would not be running,” her fellow volunteers said.
Chic’s commitment extends far beyond administrative leadership. She has organized bocce and curling tournaments, represented and promoted local athletes at community events, and worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure athletes have the uniforms and equipment they need to succeed.
One of her notable contributions has been her unwavering dedication to fundraising. For years, Chic collected recyclable bottles and cans from a local resort in Osoyoos and transported them to the region’s bottle depot in Oliver. She carried out this work year-round, even during holidays and summer seasons, to help raise funds for local Special Olympics programs.
Lee is always available to encourage athletes with their sport, communicates regularly with coaches and volunteers, and assists with transportation when required.
Through her involvement in programs, Chic has also played a vital role in recruiting and supporting volunteers. She is a trusted mentor who helps new volunteers learn the ropes, whether they are stepping into coaching positions or taking on leadership roles within the Local.
The national honour recognizes Chic's extraordinary commitment to Special Olympics and the lasting impact she has made on athletes, volunteers, and families.
Learn more about Special Olympics Canada National Awards
Celebrating the 2026 Special Olympics Canada National Awards Finalists
Special Olympics BC was proud to have multiple finalists for this year's national awards.
Coach of the Year Finalist: Saige Beaumont
SOBC – Revelstoke coach Saige Beaumont was the deserving winner of the 2026 SOBC Howard Carter Award. She was named a finalist for the national Coach of the Year Award in recognition of her exceptional leadership and commitment to athlete development.
Since joining Special Olympics BC in 2022, Beaumont has made an extraordinary impact as head coach of alpine skiing in Revelstoke, a Special Olympics Team BC assistant coach at the 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games, and a Special Olympics Team Canada coach at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games.
Known for her athlete-centred approach and steady leadership, Beaumont has helped athletes achieve goals they once thought were out of reach while fostering an environment where every athlete feels supported, included, and empowered to succeed.
Athlete of the Year Finalists: Cory Duhaime and Lisa Perry
In recognition of his exceptional Special Olympics career spanning 24 years, SOBC – Delta athlete Cory Duhaime won the 2026 SOBC Athletic Achievement Award, and became a finalist for the national Athlete of the Year Award.
A dedicated multi-sport athlete in alpine skiing, softball, and basketball, Duhaime has achieved success at the provincial, national, and international levels. Most recently, he won three gold medals in alpine skiing as a member of Special Olympics Team Canada at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games.
Beyond his accomplishments in sport, Duhaime is celebrated for his resilience, sportsmanship, and leadership within the Special Olympics movement.
"I enjoy being part of a team, where I am accepted for who I am, and I accept my teammates for who they are. Together, we’ve learned that if we prepare a good training plan, work hard with our coaches, we can actually achieve our dreams,” said Duhaime.
SOBC – Dawson Creek athlete Lisa Perry was a deserving nominee for the 2026 SOBC Athletic Achievement Award. She was also recognized as a national Athlete of the Year Finalist in recognition of her longstanding commitment to Special Olympics sport and competition.
Perry has been involved with Special Olympics since the early years of programs in Dawson Creek and has proudly represented Special Olympics Team BC at multiple National Games. A dedicated 5-pin bowling athlete who also participates in powerlifting and 10-pin bowling, Perry is known for her competitive spirit, determination, and commitment to continuous improvement.
Special Olympics BC congratulates Chic on receiving the Jim Thompson Award and celebrates all of this year's national nominees for their outstanding contributions.
Learn more about Special Olympics Canada National Awards
Celebrating excellence across British Columbia
Each year, Special Olympics BC recognizes outstanding athletes and volunteers through our annual provincial awards. The Special Olympics BC awards program features seven categories to celebrate the achievements, contributions, and impact of our valued athletes and volunteers.
The winners of the 2026 Special Olympics BC Awards:
Athletic Achievement Award: Cory Duhaime
BC Law Enforcement Torch Run Award: Constable Sam Zacharias, Port Moody Police Department
Coach Ambition Award: Amanda Silveri, SOBC – Coquitlam
Grassroots Coach Award: Jacky Sheng, SOBC – Nanaimo
Howard Carter Award: Saige Beaumont
President’s Award: Lee Chic
Spirit of Sport Award: Jonathan Robins, SOBC – Kimberley/Cranbrook