BY ROB WILTZEN
For SSI Special Olympics
The Special Olympics BC – Salt Spring Island swim team returned from the 2025 Summer Provincial Games held in Prince George from July 10 to 12 with an impressive array of placements and medals, along with a series of personal best times.
The four swimmers competed in a total of 15 events over the course of the weekend and brought home two gold medals, one silver and two bronze.
Dawn Hadler was awarded a gold medal in the 50m freestyle, and a bronze in the 50m backstroke. Jason Newport received a gold medal in the 50m freestyle and Carlos Manzano returned with a silver in the 50m freestyle and a bronze in the 50m backstroke. Deb McNaughton placed sixth in the 25m freestyle and seventh in both the 50m freestyle and the 50m backstroke.
The team has been practising at the Rainbow Recreation Centre since September of 2024 with the team having qualified to compete in the provincial games last season.
Special Olympics on Salt Spring Island consists of several programs held at island locations that are open to youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including swimming, club fit, bocce ball, golf and potentially others. including swimming, club fit, bocce ball, golf and potentially others.
Special Olympics on Salt Spring Island has been challenged in recent years to maintain operations with a lack of funds and volunteer power. Several positions are available for those looking for a fulfilling volunteer opportunity and donations are most welcome as it is incumbent upon the local chapter to fund the activities and travel expenses for local athletes participating in the games and other invitational meets in the region.
Anyone interested in more information can contact Special Olympics local coordination lead Amy Gibb at agibb@specialolympics.bc.ca.