Bill Scobbie
Local / Community
Port Alberni
When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?
I was first invited to help my stepsons learn to curl at our local Special Olympics curling club about 20 years ago. I acted as a program volunteer for a couple of years, then progressed to a registered curling coach. Since then, my stepsons have tried new sports programs and have pulled me along to help at their programs.
Will this be your first Special Olympics Canada Games? If not, what other National Games were you part of and in what role(s)?
This will be my third Special Olympics National Games. At the first two Games, I went as a curling coach.
What does being part of Special Olympics Team BC 2026 mean to you?
Being part of Special Olympics Team BC 2026 at the Summer Nationals will be an exciting experience, as I will get to work with an individual athlete that will be part of a bigger golf team within the Team BC Family.
What is/are your goal(s) for National Games?
My goal is for my athlete and I to have fun and for my athlete to achieve and surpass his expectations.
What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date?
My favourite Special Olympics experience to date is the opportunity to visit and meet people from all across Canada. For example, meeting the wonderful folks in Corner Brook, NL, and the great supporters in Calgary, AB.
What does competing at National Games mean to your athletes? (Or, if this is your first National Games, competition in general)
This is the first Special Olympics National Games for the athlete that I will be with. Preparation for this event is challenging him to stay focused, engaged, and motivated to improve his game so that he can achieve his goal on the golf course. He can be hard on himself, so setting up achievable goals that gradually increase the challenge of scoring well is extremely important. My athlete is excited to achieve and surpass these goals.
What developments are you excited to see in your Team BC sport team leading up to National Games?
The greatest development that I am excited to see in Team BC 2026 is the increased support for coaches and athletes, and how these groups are brought together to compete, achieve, and develop, while ensuring that everyone enjoyed the journey.
What would you say about Special Olympics to encourage someone to get involved?
To encourage someone to get involved in Special Olympics, I would encourage them to just come out and try it. The athletes and their enthusiasm will take care of the rest.