Linda Scobbie
Local / Community
Port Alberni
When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?
My sons started bowling with Special Olympics at the ages of three and five, 35 years ago. I helped out in the programs that they were involved in whenever I saw a need. I finally registered as an official volunteer about 18 years ago.
Will this be your first Special Olympics Canada Games? If not, what other National Games were you part of and in what role(s)?
My sons have gone to many Special Olympics Canada Games over the years, which we went to to cheer them on. But this will be my first time attending as a coach.
What does being part of Special Olympics Team BC 2026 mean to you?
I am very excited to support our athletes in their training leading up to the Games, so that they can achieve personal success in their events.
What is/are your goal(s) for National Games?
My goal for the Games is to do everything I can to support our Team BC athletes in doing their absolute best to achieve personal success. I want them to be able to look back on the Games as one of the highlights of their lives.
What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date?
One of our curling teams won the gold medal in the D division at The BC Games. Four years later, the same team was placed in the A Division. They played some very close games, winning and losing. Then they were defeated in humiliating fashion. They were very upset, and there were a lot of tears, but they had one more game to go. They calmed down, went out, won the game, and took home a bronze medal!
What does competing at National Games mean to your athletes? (Or, if this is your first National Games, competition in general)
Our athletes look at the National Games as a way to show themselves, and everyone else, what they are capable of. They want to make themselves proud!
What developments are you excited to see in your Team BC sport team leading up to National Games?
During the lead up to the Games, our athletes will learn to see themselves as part of a supportive and supported team.
What would you say about Special Olympics to encourage someone to get involved?
Special Olympics athletes have taught me more about sports and life in general than I could ever teach them. Volunteering with them has been one of the most rewarding things I have done. Come out to a practice or event to observe or help out and see for yourself how rewarding it can be. You will be hooked!