Coby Dandridge
Local Community
Ridge Meadows
When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?
I got involved in 2019. An old softball coach of mine that is a family friend told me about it, and the rest is history.
Will this be your first Special Olympics Canada Games? If not, what other National Games did you compete in, and in what sports?
Yes, this will be my first Summer Games. I’m really looking forward to it.
What were your results in the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games? How did you feel about your performance?
I won 2 Gold medals and 1 Bronze medal. As this was my first major summer competition, I feel really proud of myself. But now, I want to try even harder and do good at Nationals.
What does being part of Special Olympics Team BC 2026 mean to you?
It means so much to me. It shows that if you try your best and put work into what you love, you can do great things. I also feel a sense of pride in representing the province.
What is your goal for these National Games?
To prove to everyone that doubted me and held me back that I can do anything I put my heart and mind to. This is a very big accomplishment, and I want to make the best of it.
What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date?
So far, my favourite experience was the Special Olympics BC Summer Games. It was just so much fun showing what I can do best, and now taking that training into account, I want to excel even more.
What do you like most about the sport you will compete in at National Games?
Competing as a swimmer, I feel I’m in my natural habitat.
What would you say about Special Olympics to encourage someone to get involved?
It makes everyday people like us have a chance to have a similar experience to what it would be like going to the actual Olympics.
Please tell us a little bit more about yourself! What else would you like people to know about you?
This is my first Nationals but it was my second time in Provincials. My first time was the Special Olympics 2023 Winter Games in Kamloops when I went for hockey.