Torben Schuffert
Local Community
Smithers
When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?
I started alpine skiing when I was 11. That was 2012.
Will this be your first Special Olympics Canada Games? If not, what other National Games did you compete in, and in what sports?
I went to three winter games. I went to Corner Brook for alpine skiing and Thunder Bay and Calgary for snowshoeing. This is my first summer games!
What were your results in the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games? How did you feel about your performance?
I had two personal bests in my 10k and 5k. In my 3k, I was very close, but a bit slower. I also had a personal best in my standing long jump.
It was awesome to run against other athletes.
What does being part of Special Olympics Team BC 2026 mean to you?
It makes me feel valued. I do train a lot and it is awesome that it is noticed. I also enjoy the comradery with the team during games and during training camp.
What is your goal for these National Games?
I would love to have another personal best in my long runs. I would like to show everyone how great Special Olympics is, have fun, and share kindness with my team. I would like to say thank you to all of the volunteers. I would also like to bring a medal home.
What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date?
My favourite experience was when my relay team in Calgary ran like crazy, because they wanted me to take a medal home. It made me feel special that they noticed how hard I ran in my 5k. I did get a personal best, but no medal for my efforts. It was great that they saw me.
I also got a very special pin from my coach Maureen.
What do you like most about the sport you will compete in at National Games?
That it keeps me fit. I like to run.
What would you say about Special Olympics to encourage someone to get involved?
You have to try it. It is good to have friends that support you, and it is great to learn how to support your friends.
Please tell us a little bit more about yourself! What else would you like people to know about you?
I am passionate about inclusion. I usually create 2-3 Shine Together projects in my community every year. Those are projects for people with ID and our wider community. Right now we are in a dance class together. We will perform our Latin dance next month at a coffee house. I am staring on my next project in April.