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SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP In 18 years, the Sports Celebrities Festival has raised more than $4.4 million to benefit the Canucks for Kids Fund and Special Olympics B.C. and change the lives of children and adults through the power of sport. Another $400,000 would be added to that tally to help empower the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities gain confidence, pride and acceptance through sport. Gala creators Doug Holtby and Blair Shier reprised their roles chairing the Sports Celebrities fundraising party and dinner for the 19th consecutive year. Held at the Vancouver Convention Centre and sponsored by Wheaton Precious Metals, the event brought together the business and sport communities, celebrity ambassadors and Special Olympics athletes for an evening of fun and games, celebration and big-time giving.
As usual, the night began with professional athletes — the likes of Marco Iannuzzi from the B.C. Lions and coach John Herdman and striker Christine Sinclair from Canada’s women’s soccer team — donating their time to play table hockey and other interactive sports with Special Olympics athletes. Going above and beyond, this year’s gala also saw the entire Vancouver Canucks roster along with alumni, coaches and senior brass come out for the merrymaker.
In addition to the financial support, 650 guests also heard from Special Olympics B.C. athlete Alexander Pang, the event’s keynote speaker and Sports Celebrities Festival spokesperson. Diagnosed with autism, Pang didn’t start speaking until the age of six and found it difficult to interact with others. The young man credits Special Olympics for his breakthrough and the courage and confidence to overcome challenges in competition and in life.
Ten years as a Special Olympics athlete, the now 19-year-old Pang has already competed in three Special Olympics World Games in both figure skating and basketball.
Sharing the stage with Canucks forward Brandon Sutter, his co-poster boy, the affable athlete shared with attendees his newest love — public speaking after taking a Special Olympics speech course. “It’s kind of like performing on ice, but without the risk of falling,” Pang said with a smile. “Because of Special Olympics, I know I have multiple pathways in life that I can choose from and will succeed in whatever I choose to do.”
Part of the venerable hockey family, Sutter — a Sports Celebrities Festival ambassador — also knows the impact of Special Olympics, having seen his cousin Chris and close family friend Mike grow as athletes and individuals after competing in Special Olympics. “Through Chris and Mike, I’ve seen first-hand how important Special Olympics are to these athletes. The confidence and friendships that are built are so meaningful and last a lifetime,” says Sutter.
“Now I’m lucky to add Alex to my list of friends and athletes who inspire me.”
Sincere thanks to the celebrity athletes who make the time to participate and give this event its unique and memorable character, remarked Holtby. Their presence alongside Special Olympics athletes makes a powerful statement about respect, inclusion and dignity for all, adds Shier.