Greg McCracken

Local / Community 

Burnaby

When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics? 

I became involved with Special Olympics in 2014 when my son became an athlete. It did not take long to see that Special Olympics is more than just playing sports; it is a community of support, friendship, and shared purpose. Within a year, I was taking on the role of soccer head coach, and by the next year, leading the team to the Provincial Summer Games in Kamloops. In reality, the athletes were leading me! 

Today, I’m proudly serving as head coach for both soccer and floorball, and I continue to be inspired by the athletes every season.

Will this be your first Special Olympics Canada Games? If not, what other National Games were you part of and in what role(s)? 

Yes! This is my first National Games!

What does being part of Special Olympics Team BC 2026 mean to you? 

I am excited to be bringing our soccer team to the Special Olympics Canada Games. I am also excited to be a part of the collective Special Olympics Team BC. 

I am looking forward to the opportunity to support athletes in reaching their full potential and to experience the pride and camaraderie that comes from representing Team BC on a national stage.

What is/are your goal(s) for National Games? 

My goal for the National Games is to help the athletes be the best they can be. This unique experience will create many lasting memories, build confidence and create a special bond between teammates.

What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date? 

When I first started running the soccer program, there were 15-20 athletes. I was only able to form one team to take to tournaments meaning I had to leave many athletes behind. My goal over the past many years was to build the soccer program to the point that I could include more athletes of all abilities to build multiple teams. Over the past two years, we have had enough players in the program to field three full teams. This past summer, all three teams qualified for the Provincial Summer Games in Prince George, offering many of the athletes (and coaches) their first opportunity to participate in this incredible experience. 

What does competing at National Games mean to your athletes? (Or, if this is your first National Games, competition in general) 

They are all incredibly excited!

What developments are you excited to see in your Team BC sport team leading up to National Games? 

I am looking forward to working with and developing the team building up to the National Games.

What would you say about Special Olympics to encourage someone to get involved? 

I have seen Special Olympics literally transform the lives of participants, as it gives athletes the opportunity to be active and healthy, access social groups, to be competitive, and reach achievements through sport. This develops confidence and self-esteem. For these reasons, I believe Special Olympics is truly one of the most valuable organizations available to individuals with disabilities.