TD Bank Group named Presenting Sponsor of the 2027 Special Olympics BC Winter Games

Special Olympics BC is honoured to welcome TD into this significant role while celebrating October 28 as the 100-day countdown to the 2027 SOBC Winter Games snow sports events taking place in Kelowna.

The 2027 SOBC Winter Games presented by TD will bring together nearly 500 athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities from across B.C. to shine together and challenge themselves in provincial competition.

In the 2027 SOBC Winter Games presented by TD, snow sports events will be hosted in Kelowna from February 5 to 7, while the ice and floor sports will be based in Richmond March 26 to 28. Alpine skiing, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing competition will be hosted at Kelowna’s Big White Ski Resort and Telemark Nordic Club. Curling, figure skating, floorball, speed skating, and 5-pin bowling athletes and coaches will be based in Richmond competing at area venues.

As the 2027 SOBC Winter Games Presenting Sponsor, TD’s support ensures that athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities can experience the joy of being part of Provincial Games at no cost to participants.

The participating athletes compete with pride, build lifelong friendships, and open hearts and minds to their abilities. They challenge themselves to pursue personal-best performances and compete for the opportunity to advance to national and international Special Olympics Games.

TD’s commitment to Special Olympics BC spans more than 25 years. TD has been a generous sponsor of Special Olympics BC’s annual fundraising gala since 2012. The Bank has also contributed to the 2023 Special Olympics BC Winter Games as a Bronze Sponsor.

“This kind of sustained support means everything to our athletes, families, and volunteers,” says Dan Howe, President & CEO of Special Olympics BC. “As Presenting Sponsor of the 2027 SOBC Winter Games, TD has a life-changing impact that shows up in every medal ceremony, every personal best – every moment a family watches their loved one shine. We’re deeply grateful to have TD with us in Kelowna and Richmond.”

"At TD, we're committed to helping create inclusive and accessible communities where people are valued for their strengths and abilities," says Julie Armour, Senior Vice President and Pacific Region Head, TD. "That's why we're proud to serve as Presenting Sponsor of the 2027 SOBC Winter Games. Special Olympics BC creates opportunities for athletes to build confidence, connection and belonging – not just during the Games, but year-round. We're honoured to support their work in helping people participate fully in their communities and be celebrated for who they are."

“People are often surprised at how much Special Olympics athletes can accomplish. Special Olympics BC Games give athletes the opportunity to shine through sport and show everyone that people with intellectual disabilities are capable of so much,” says longtime Special Olympics BC – Kelowna athlete Chris Harrington, who also serves on the SOBC Board of Directors. “Competition is important to me as an athlete. Provincial Games give us something big and meaningful to be part of, coming together with athletes from all over the province and challenging ourselves on this big stage.”

Volunteers and partners are invited to stand together and help deserving athletes shine brighter in the 2027 Special Olympics BC Winter Games presented by TD. The 2027 SOBC Games will need approximately 200 volunteers in Kelowna, and more than 400 in the Richmond area, to help offer outstanding competitions and an exceptional experience for more than 750 regional team athletes and volunteers from across the province.

Volunteers and supporters are invited to visit SOBCGames.ca for details on the rewarding opportunity to be part of Special Olympics BC Games.