Hannah Pemberton
Local Community
Victoria
When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?
In 2018 when I moved to Victoria, I joined Special Olympics. I was active with soccer and baseball in the spring season and swimming and basketball in the winter. Prior to that when I lived in Vancouver, I took part in basketball and soccer.
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 first Special Olympics Canada Games.
What were your results in the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games? How did you feel about your performance?
I played on the Special Olympics Summer Games baseball team. Our team didn’t win, but the referee said if there was a prize for best sportsmanship team, we would have won. That made us feel great.
What does being part of Special Olympics Team BC 2026 mean to you?
I’m very proud to be part of the first all women’s soccer team.
What is your goal for these National Games?
To do my very best for the team and to represent British Columbia. It’s an honour to also be able to represent women athletes and show what women are able to achieve in sports.
What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date?
Being part of the Provincial Games in Prince George last year and walking out into the stadium during the opening ceremony with my BC teammates.
What do you like most about the sport you will compete in at National Games?
My favourite sport is soccer, and I’ve been playing since I was six years old. I love being part of a team and working together to play such a fun and exciting sport.
What would you say about Special Olympics to encourage someone to get involved?
Special Olympics allows you to develop skills in your sport of choice, and to make friends. The coaches and volunteers are always so encouraging. I’d like to give a shout out to my Victoria soccer coach, Glenn, who has been very encouraging.
Please tell us a little bit more about yourself! What else would you like people to know about you?
I have always loved sports and have been active, not only with Special Olympics, but other organizations as well. I have participated on a dragon boat team, both in Vancouver and Victoria, volunteered with coaching younger soccer players on an all-inclusive soccer team in Vancouver called the Soccer Dogs, and in my spare time, I enjoy hiking, kayaking and bouldering. I also work as an after school daycare worker, and have two pets: a cocker spaniel named Poppy and a cat named Lola.
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