Sarah Phillips

Local / Community 

Burnaby

When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics? 

I got involved with Special Olympics in 2022 when my son wanted to try out some sports. Being there already with him, I got to know the coaches. I began as a volunteer at first and now, I'm coaching.

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

This will be my first Special Olympics Canada Games.

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

It means a lot to be part of an amazing group of coaches, mission staff, and athletes. I’m excited to watch them continue on their journeys. They all have worked hard for years to get to the Games.  

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

My goals for the National Games are to be there for the athletes and to help them continue to strengthen their skills. I want to make sure we all have fun as well.  

What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date? 

My favourite Special Olympics experience to date was having fun with the athletes on the bus up to Prince George. We all had a great time playing games and joking around on our way to the Provincial Games.  

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

This will be my first National Games, but I do know that when we were at the Provincial Games in summer of 2025, it meant a lot to the athletes. It wasn’t just about winning medals. It was about being able to compete with other athletes from all over BC, seeing friends they don’t see all the time, and making new friends as well.

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

The developments I am excited to see in my Team BC sport team are them continuing to have more soccer skills and continuing to develop closer bonds with their teammates.

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

I would say to someone that getting involved with Special Olympics is a very fulfilling experience. You get so much more from the athletes than what you give to them. You will also meet and work with other amazing volunteers and coaches, creating bonds that last a lifetime.