A celebration you won’t want to miss

New car dealers proud to support 2013 Special Olympics BC Summer Games

SOur members truly are at the heart of your communities and they don’t take that responsibility lightly.

omething special is happening in Langley this weekend, and it’s something BC’s new car dealers look forward to every year. More than 1,100 Special Olympics athletes from all over the province and the Yukon have converged on the city for a life- changing experience that will take them to new personal heights, kick off new and lifelong friendships, and help them discover the joy of community as they compete in the 2013 Special Olympics BC Summer Games.

Special Olympics BC ( SOBC) is very near and dear to the hearts of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. In fact, our members are among the longeststanding supporters of the organization, having been involved in fundraising for nearly three decades.

The New Car Dealers Foundation consistently works to raise funds for important community causes – and during our annual auction for Special Olympics BC have raised more than $ 3.6 million since 1984.

I don’t mind giving our dealer members a public pat on the back by mentioning that as an association, we donate more than $ 13 million annually to BC charities.

Our members truly are at the heart of your communities and they don’t take that responsibility lightly.

They’re not only involved in local charities, but also athletics and youth programs to the point where you’d be hard pressed to find a sports team or community event that’s not in some way supported by your local new car dealers.

But back to this weekend, which truly is a labour of love for so many individuals and organizations throughout this province.

During the year, SOBC provides high- quality sports programs and competitions that help people with intellectual disabilities celebrate personal achievement and gain confidence, skills and friendships. The 2013 Special Olympics BC Summer Games, being held July 11- 14, will see athletes from the eight SOBC regions and the Yukon show their skill, determination and true sportsmanship going for gold in 11 sports: five and ten pin bowling, aquatics, athletics, basketball, bocce, golf, rhythmic gymnastics, powerlifting, soccer and softball.

It’s a celebration of athleticism and consistent hard work and training that you don’t want to miss.

I encourage you to get involved: if not as one of the more than 3,200 dedicated volunteers who support SOBC throughout the year, then simply as a spectator.

Inspiring doesn’t even begin to describe it.

For more information visit www.specialolympics.bc.ca. Admission is free.