National Coaches Week

A heartfelt #ThanksCoach to Special Olympics BC's life-changing coaches!

#ThanksCoach!

During National Coaches Week and all year round, we celebrate and thank the thousands of Special Olympics BC coaches who change lives in communities throughout our province!

The annual National Coaches Week is a time to say #ThanksCoach for their positive impact and the gift of their time and talents.

National Coaches Week 2026 is from September 14 to 20. Join us in celebrating the time, skill and heart coaches put into sport!

Be inspired by Special Olympics BC coaches like Daria Ungurean!

A rhythmic gymnastics athlete wears a sparkling blue body suit while smiling at the camera for a photo with her coach.

Enjoy Free or Discounted NCCP Education

During National Coaches Week, coaches can diversify their coaching knowledge with free or discounted NCCP education through the Coaching Association of Canada. Log into the Locker to access the eLearning modules for free! (This information is current for 2026.)

September 14: NCCP Coach Initiation in Sport (Promo code: CI-58166-NCW)
September 15: NCCP Creating a Positive Sport Environment (Promo code: CPSE-45439-NCW)
September 16: NCCP Sport Nutrition (Promo code: Nutri-61827-NCW)
September 17: NCCP Coaching Athletes with a Disability (Promo code: COACH-4825-NCW)

*Please note that each promo code is only valid on the specified date and you will not be able to claim the eLearning after the date has passed.

Meet Special Olympics BC Coaches

A powerlifting athlete and her coach high five each other after a good lift at a competition.

Become a Coach

Interested in joining our joyful community? Become a coach with Special Olympics BC!

Become a Volunteer

Youth athletes run across a gymnasium with their coach in Surrey.

E-Learning Opportunity

Special Olympics BC is working with Canucks Autism Network on a partnership to provide volunteers and coaches access to a free and interactive e-learning opportunity through the CAN Learning Hub in 2026. This e-learning module, Sports & Recreation: Including Individuals on the Autism Spectrum, is designed for sports and recreation leaders, including program leaders, coaches, and Local Committee members.

Submit your interest

SOBC resources

To support SOBC coaches, SOBC has developed resources such as:

Coach Development Workshops: year-round event series connecting SOBC coaches with peers and with sport-specific experts
SOBC Sport and Fitness Skill Badge Program: tool for coaches to help athletes progress and celebrate achievements
SOBC Coach Mentorship: coaches empowering coaches!
NCCP Special Olympics Competition Sport Workshop
Coach Certification: opportunities to build skills through required courses
Coach Diary: a compilation of mental training resources for coaches

And much more in the SOBC website resources

The impact of SOBC coaches

Chris Higgins has lengthy experience with coaches, as a former Vancouver Canucks player and current Canucks Assistant Director of Player Development, and as the brother of Special Olympics New York athlete Jeanne. He kindly took the time to share his thoughts on the life-changing difference you make. Have a listen!