Cullen Yee
Local / Community
Richmond
When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?
I started in 1998.
Will this be your first Special Olympics Canada Games? If not, what other National Games did you compete in, and in what sports?
This will be my third Special Olympics National Games. My first was the 2014 National Games in Vancouver and my second was the 2018 National Games in Antigonish. I competed in Swimming for both Games. My third will be this 2026 National Games in Medicine Hat for Basketball (I switched to Basketball because Richmond didn’t have a swim program from 2020 to 2025, for lack of a coach.)
What were your results in the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games? How did you feel about your performance?
Our team won gold in the BC Summer Provincial Games. I think I improved in both offence and defence, which contributed to our team’s victory. We all played well and now we’re competing in Medicine Hat this year!
What does being part of Special Olympics Team BC 2026 mean to you?
I feel proud to represent our province at the national level.
What is your goal for these National Games?
I want our team to win the gold, so that we have a chance to go to the World Games in 2027.
What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date?
Standing on the podium and receiving medals!
What do you like most about the sport you will compete in at National Games?
I love playing basketball because of its constant movement and the speed of the game.
What would you say about Special Olympics to encourage someone to get involved?
Special Olympics provides you with the opportunity to participate in one or more sports - you get exercise and you can learn new skills. You can be a solo athlete or a member of a team, and you can make friends. You can go to competitions and get a taste of the Olympic experience, from the opening ceremonies to the awarding of medals.
Please tell us a little bit more about yourself! What else would you like people to know about you?
I have autism and am unable to speak, but I love playing all kinds of sports! I also paint, and my paintings have been at exhibitions.