Ethan Sun
Local Community
Kelowna
When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?
I got involved in Special Olympics Kelowna from a coach and a friend of my Mom who always encourages me to join some sports. His name is Garth, and he coached the cross country ski team for a long time. I was 13 years old and he wanted me to join the basketball team that he was starting up in Kelowna. I remember he said I am welcome to try other sports as well. I did, and I have been an athlete now for 13 years.
Will this be your first Special Olympics Canada Games? If not, what other National Games did you compete in, and in what sports?
This is my Second National Games. I went to 2018 National Games in Antigonish with the Vernon basketball team. They were short players, so I was invited to join the team. I had a great experience meeting new coaches and athletes. We won a Gold medal and there were many friends and family cheering us on. "Ogopogo go go go!" That is our cheer. I am so thankful they invited me.
What were your results in the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games? How did you feel about your performance?
I went to the BC Games competing in track and field, and I finished with 4 medals. I did 100m, 200m, 400m, javelin, and long jump. This is my first time doing track. I'm very proud of myself because I tried my hardest and I did my best. My training is improving when I am running on the track.
What does being part of Special Olympics Team BC 2026 mean to you?
I train hard in my practices and push myself to be better. Now I will need to train more and challenge myself more. It makes me proud to be on Team BC together with other athletes so we can have a bigger competition at National Games. I remember that I made some new friends from the last National Games, so I am looking forward to meet other athletes from other provinces and have some fun at the Games.
What is your goal for these National Games?
My goal is to do my best and hopefully get some medals in my events. I also want to make sure that I have good sportsmanship at the Games. Other goals are to always have fun at competitions, make some new friends, and meet other coaches from all over Canada.
What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date?
My favourite experience is working hard together with my teammates at the 2018 National Games and winning a Gold medal. We were all so happy because our hard work paid off. We visited downtown Antigonish together and took some nice team pictures. It was so fun doing things together with the other athletes.
What do you like most about the sport you will compete in at National Games?
For these Nationals I picked track and field because I like to work out at the gym and that helps me train for running my races. Sometimes I can beat my time in the running races, and that makes me train more to get a better time. I wanted to try individual sports so I can be the one responsible for how I do for at the Games. I also enjoy throwing the javelin and doing the running long jump. It feels like I am flying in the air.
What would you say about Special Olympics to encourage someone to get involved?
I would say to someone to come give it a try, and that you will want to come back for more sports to join. There are so many sports to choose from, and if athletes want to compete, they have a chance to travel for Provincial, National and World Games, which is so cool. The coaches take time to show you what to do at practices and the athletes help each other out. For someone who likes team sports, Special Olympics gives you a chance to be part of a team. Also, you can meet many new friends and be part of the Special Olympics family.
Please tell us a little bit more about yourself! What else would you like people to know about you?
I work part time, but I will always find time to participate in my Special Olympics sports. In the winter I take 5 pin bowling, basketball, curling, snowshoeing, and powerlifting. In the summer I do golf, bocce, track and field and soccer. I hope to stay fit and healthy doing sports. I was a part of the bid committee in Kelowna meeting to bring the 2028 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games to Kelowna, and that was such a good experience for me. I hope with hard work and training I will make it to a World Games one day.