Samantha McLean
Local Community
Cranbrook/Kimberley
When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?
I first got involved in Special Olympics when I was 10 years old. My first sport was bowling when my mom enrolled me!
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 National Games, and I’m extremely excited!
What were your results in the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games? How did you feel about your performance?
At Provincials last year in Prince George, my team went completely undefeated in bocce!
What does being part of Special Olympics Team BC 2026 mean to you?
Being part of Team BC! This year means a lot to me because I’ve gotten to meet so many friends, and I'm excited to meet more along the way! I get to play in one of my favourite sports!
What is your goal for these National Games?
My goal for the National Games is to compete to my best ability and build many relationships along the way with both my team and other teams.
What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date?
Provincials was one of my favourite Special Olympics experiences because I got to go to opening ceremonies for the first time, which was lots of fun.
What do you like most about the sport you will compete in at National Games?
My favourite part about bocce is learning new skills, and how I get to play with an abundance of different people.
What would you say about Special Olympics to encourage someone to get involved?
Special Olympics is a place where I feel like I can be myself. We have lots of fun.
Please tell us a little bit more about yourself! What else would you like people to know about you?
I just graduated high school. I’m involved in many different sports throughout my local, such as bowling, powerlifting, basketball, track and field, golf, cross country skiing, club fit, and of course, bocce! I’m also both an athlete representative and health messenger in my local! When I’m not playing sports, you can find me hiking or cuddled up on the couch with my dogs! GO TEAM BC!