Welcome To Special Olympics British Columbia Delta

Regional Qualifiers

2012-02-07T14:42:00.000-08:00

As this is the first year of the 4-Year competitive cycle for Special Olympics Summer Sports, here is the schedule of Regional Qualifiers:

Swimming
February 4, Vancouver

Basketball
March 10 & 11, North Vancouver

5 Pin Bowling
March 18, Scottsdale Lanes, Surrey

Rhythmic Gymnastics
April 29, Richmond

Softball
June 2 & 3, Coquitlam

Soccer
June 9 & 10, Richmond

Track
June 23, Langley

Golf
To be determined

For more information about Regional Qualifiers, please contact the Head Coach for your sport.

2011 - 2012 Program Information

2011-09-08T11:32:00.000-07:00

Here are the details of our programs:

Active Start
Saturdays, October 1, 2011
10am to 10:45am
Boys & Girls Club, Ladner
Fee: $30

Basketball:
Tuesdays, starting October 4, 2011
7pm to 8pm
Hawthorne Elementary School, Ladner
Fee: $40
Coach: Andy Meyer

Bowling:
Sundays, starting October 16, 2011
9am to 11am
The Zone Bowling Centre, Richmond
Fee: $90
Coaches: Judy DeGroot & Brian Coe

Curling:
Saturdays, starting October 8, 2011
1:45pm to 3:30pm
Thistle Curling Club, North Delta
Fee: $70
Coach: Mark Smith

Floor Hockey:
Wednesdays, starting October 5, 2011
7:00PM to 8:30PM
McCloskie Elementary School, North Delta (Oct-Dec)
Beach Grove Elementary School, Tsawwassen (Jan-Mar)
Fee: $45
Coach: Keith Bourne

Fundamentals
Saturdays, starting October 1, 2011
11am to Noon
Boys & Girls Club, Ladner
Fee: $30

Rhythmic Gymnastics:
Tuesdays, starting October 11, 2011
6:30PM to 8:30PM
Holly Elementary School, Ladner
Fee: $70
Coach: Courtenay Keith

Alpine Skiing:
Monday Evenings
Cypress Bowl Ski Area, North Vancouver
January to March
Fee: to be determined
Coach: Ron Varley

Soccer:
Tuesdays
6:30PM to 8:00PM
Mountainview Park, Ladner
April to June
Fee: $25
Coach: Dave McCombe

Softball:
Fridays
6:00PM to 7:30PM
Hawthorne Park, Ladner
April to June
Coach: Geoff Smith
Cost: $10

Swimming:
Fridays, starting October 14, 2011
7:00PM to 8:00PM
Winskill Aquatic Centre
Fee: $80
Coach: Daisy Huntington

Track:
Mondays
6:30PM
South Delta Secondary School
April to June
Fee: $10
Coach: Taylor Lehwald

Weight Training:
Fridays, starting October 14, 2011
5:30PM to 6:30PM
Ladner Leisure Centre
No fee
Coach: Mike Brotherston

Golf:
Thursdays
6:00PM to 8:00PM
Sunshine Woods Golf Course
May, June, and September
Fee: $100
Coach: Ruth Towers

Registration & Medical Forms

2011-09-08T07:40:00.000-07:00

All SOBC Delta athletes and volunteers must complete both Registration and Medical Forms prior to participating in any of our sports programs.

Registration forms are only required to be filled in once when an athlete/volunteer first joins while medical forms must be completed every year.

Click on the images to print then complete and send to #315 - 1504 - 56th Street, Delta, BC V4L 2A8. Each form contains two pages so please click and print each page. If you prefer, you may scan the forms and email them to sobcdelta@yahoo.com

If you are an athlete, you will also need to send a cheque made out to SOBC Delta for the $30 Registration Fee (annually) and the cost of your chosen programs as shown in a post above.

Or use the "Pay Now" button on the right to pay via Paypal.

Registration Forms (only required to be completed once when athlete/volunteer first joins):

FOR ATHLETES (look further below for the coach/volunteer registration form)

FOR COACH/VOLUNTEER:

Medical Form (must be completed every year by all athletes, coaches, and volunteers):

Thanks to the Vancouver Canadians and Wilco Westcoast

2011-08-22T19:03:00.000-07:00

SOBC Delta wishes to thank The Vancouver Canadians and Wilco Westcoast for hosting our Softball Team at Nat Bailey Stadium last Saturday night.

It was a beautiful night for baseball, and the Canadians won the game on a 10th inning Grand Slam home run. Add in some spectacular post-game fireworks and our athletes and coaches had a great time!

But the highlight surely was being on the field and high-fiving the Canadians players as they were introduced to the sell-out crowd, and staying on the field for our national anthem.

Thanks Canadians! Thanks Wilco Westcoast!

GREAT NEWS FROM GREECE!!

2011-07-18T11:24:00.000-07:00

Stacey Kohler - SOBC Delta's first athlete to ever compete at a World Games - won a Bronze Medal in the 3000m race!!

Here's a very happy Stacey, in her Team Canada uniform, and her Bronze Medal around her neck!

And here's Stacey in action:

And here she is on the podium with athletes from all over the world after her 6th place finish in the 1500m:

A huge SOBC Delta congratulations to Stacey and her family.

Reaction from SOBC Delta families:

"Awesome....Congrats Stacey" from the Boons.
"FANTASTIC!" from the Duhaimes.
"THIRD IN THE WORLD! INCREDIBLE! WAY TO GO STACEY" from the Mason boys and mom Cathy.
"Wow - third in the Worlds - absolutely fabulous! Way to go Stacey!" from the Strattons.
"HIP, HIP, HOORAY!" from Scott Fattedad and mom Mary Lynn.
"That is fantastic Stacey, we are so proud of you. Congratulations!" from Darryl Payne and Doreen Logue.
"Amazing!" from Vivianne and Morgan McConkey
"Wow! So Amazing!" from Garrett and Laura Baydala
"Kim and I Say Amazing Job Stacey. You have made everyone in Delta, BC, and Canada so very proud. Congratulations to you and your Mom and Dad. Good Luck in your other races." from Kim and Lynn Davies.
"Stacey, we hope these messages get to you with a collective congratulations - you have a huge fan club back home saying how proud we are of you! Well done!" from Courtenay Rekis and her family.
"Stacey, Amazing accomplishment!! All the best for your next race too." from Jamie, Phyllis, and Bill Ross.
"Congratulations Stacey and Good Luck in your next race!" from Tyler and Brian Coe.
"WOOOO HOOOO! Stacey! We are so proud of you! Way to go!" from Jeff, Sheryl, and Barry Eccleton.
"Wow. What an amazing accomplishment Stacey. Way to go!" from Travis and Bonnie Meyer.
"Our utmost congratulations to Stacey. What a tremendous achievement! It couldn't happen to a nicer person and a good friend to all!" from Scott, Terry, Joan, and Gord Randall, and McTavish too!
"Wow…that is nothing short of amazing! Good for you Stacey!!!!" from Marlene Graham.
"Congratulations Stacey!!! How exciting! What an accomplishment." from Darlene Isaac.
"Congratulations Stacey!!!!.....Wow, what an amazing accomplishment...we are so happy and so proud of you!" from Asha and Sue Athwal
"Congratulations Stacey, This is such a great win, you go girl. 3rd in the world…. That’s our girl." From the Weitzel gang.
"Congratulations Stacey! Hope you are enjoying your time there. We'll look forward to hearing all about it! All the best" from Cheryl, Rod, Colleen, Katie, and Cienna Larden.

SOBC Delta Track Athletes Run Circles Around The Competition at Richmond Track Meet

2011-06-21T20:02:00.000-07:00

(track meet photos courtesy Joan Randall)

SOBC Delta sent a terrific team of track athletes to a recent meet at Minoru Park in Richmond, BC. Under the direction of coach "Cyclone" Taylor Lehwald, our athletes worked hard all spring to prepare for this event.

In the 100-metre event, Dalton Weitzel, Alex Mason - #186 below powering his way to the finish - and Michael Varley -#188 below - each finished first in their divisions, while Scott Fattedad finished 2nd, and Scott Randall finished just off the podium in 4th place.

In the ladies' competition, Madeleine Wieczorek - #189 below in a courageous battle against a very wet track - and Alexa Lehwald each placed 3rd in their divisions.

In the 200-metre event, Scott Fattedad - shown below as he approaches the finish line - raced to the top of his division with a 1st place finish, while Dalton Weitzel and Michael Varley both finished in 3rd spot, with Scott Randall and Alex Mason right behind in 4th and 5th. Alexa Lehwald took 6th place in her 200-metre race.

Then it was time for the 400-metres, and Dalton Weitzel cruised to a 1st place finish, with Scott Randall - #187 below - finishing 2nd and Michael Varley 4th. Alexa Lehwald - #185 - had a podium finish in 3rd place.

In the final track event - the gruelling 1500-metre race, Dalton Weitzel once again came out on top with a 1st place position.

In the field events, SOBC Delta athletes really shone, starting with 5 1st Place performances...from Alexa Lehwald, Michael Varley, Scott Fattedad, and Dalton Weitzel in the Shotput.

In the Standing Longjump, it was Madeleine Wieczorek, Scott Randall,and Scott Fattedad in 1st Place, and Alexa Lehwald in 3rd. And in the Long Jump, Alex Mason placed 1st with Michael Varley in 3rd.

SOBC Delta thanks our track and field athletes and Coach Taylor for a great performance under difficult conditions. Next year's track and field meet will of course be a very important one, as it will be the first year of the competition cycle and an opportunity for SOBC Delta track athletes to qualify for the 2013 Special Olympics BC Provincial Summer Games.

SOBC Delta at Ladner May Days Parade

2011-06-17T16:15:00.000-07:00

Many SOBC Delta athletes and volunteers walked behind Brian Coe's vintage fire truck at the Ladner May Days Parade on May 29, 2011.

Parades give SOBC Delta an opportunity to increase awareness before large appreciative crowds:

Here's Kerry Lamb, a member of SOBC Delta's National Champion bowling team, working the crowd:

While soccer player Richard McNaughton waves from the truck:

Coach Jim Donald beams from the back of the fire truck as he leads a group of athletes from several different sports, which is appropriate since Jim is one of the very valuable volunteers (our VVVs!) who coaches in several sports!

Cory Duhaime, another member of the National Champion bowling team, chats with the ladies...

Mady Wieczorek - a rhythmic gymnast, a curler, a softball player, and a skier - and plenty of medals to go with all of that, with Team Mascot for-the-day Scruffy:

Then it's Dalton Boon - a Gold and Silver Medalist from the 2010 National Games in Swimming.

Followed by skier Michael Varley (Provincial Bronze Medalist) and bowler Jason Bond...

With Alex Mason and Paul Scholefield from Floor Hockey, and bowler Robin Richardsen:

Chelsea Kaake - with her Gold Medal as another member of SOBC Delta's National Championship bowling team - with Local Coordinator Su Wieczorek:

And finally, bowler Jamie Ross with SOBC Delta executive member and parade producer Tracey McConnell:

Our thanks once again to Brian Coe for his generous lending of his wonderful bright yellow fire truck!

GOOD LUCK STACEY!

2011-06-07T21:42:00.000-07:00

Each of the following members and supporters of SOBC Delta wish you the very best of good luck as you compete at Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, Stacey!

You are SOBC Delta's very first athlete ever to compete in a World Games.

We are all very proud of everything you've accomplished so far and we hope you'll have a wonderful time and find great success at the Worlds.

RUN STACEY RUN!!

Beryl Kohler
Fred Kohler
Scott Kohler
Megan Kohler
Christopher Kohler
Cari Ward
Shane Ward
Mason Ward
Madison Ward
Stacey's Aunt Barb
Cory Duhaime
Jenni Duhaime
Michael Duhaime
Scott Randall
Terry Randall
Joan Randall
Gord Randall
Scott Fattedad
Mary Lynn Cassels
Dalton Boon
Tom Boon
Peggy Boon
Mark Heywood
Anne Donald
Jim Donald
Tracey McConnell
Doreen Logue
Darryl Payne
Alexa Lehwald
Cathy Lehwald
Taylor Lehwald
Art Lehwald
Michael Varley
Wendy Varley
Ron Varley
Derek Varley
Travis Meyer
Bonnie Willis
Corey Willis
Sharon Anderson
Ian Anderson
Cathy Anderson
Ian Mason
Alex Mason
Che Dahlman
& Nikki
& Truman
& Darlene
Morgan McConkey
Viviane McConkey
Jeff Eccleton
Sheryl Eccleton
Barry Eccleton
Kurtis Reid
Shirley-Ann Reid
Michael Reid
Georgia Groenewold
Harold Groenewold
Mary Joe Groenewold
Joshua Groenewold
Asha Athwal
Courtenay Rekis
Abbey Rekis
Michael Rekis
Anne McCaw
Stuart Holmes
Lisa Stratton
Vicki Stratton
Madeleine Wieczorek
Su Wieczorek
Emily Wieczorek
Ted Wieczorek
Kim Davies
Lynn Davies
Garrett Baydala
Laura Baydala
Becki Allen
Claire Aston
Bruce Aston
Allison Nicholls-Hurd
Penny Nicholls
Allison Le
John Close
Sarah Elliott
Diane Hastings-Elliott
James Elliott
Jessica Elliott
Jamie Elliott
Tyler Coe
Brian Coe
Joshua Remnant
Dave McCombe
Colleen McCombe
Kerry Lamb
Neil Gardner
Pat Cleave
Si Stainton
Dave Fielding
Peter McCurdy
Jeff Trafford
Chelsea Kaake
Brad Smith
Nancy Smith
Geoff Smith
Paul Scholefield
Alison Scholefield
Jenny
Jeff
Kyle
Jessica
Jacob
Colleen Larden
Rod Larden
Cheryl Larden
Katie Larden
Cienna Larden

Three SOBC Delta Athletes Selected to Team BC!

2011-05-06T14:14:00.000-07:00

Three SOBC Delta athletes have been selected to represent British Columbia at Special Olympics' National Winter Games to be held in Alberta in February 2012!

Allison Le will compete in Figure Skating after she won Gold in the Single Women's Freeskate at the SOBC Provincial Championships in Coquitlam earlier this year.

Garrett Baydala will compete in Floor Hockey, with the team that won Gold at the Provincial Championships at the University of British Columbia last February:

And Cory Duhaime will compete in Alpine Skiing, after winning Gold in Slalom, Giant Slalom, and Super Giant Slalom, in the Advanced Division at the Provincial Championships that were held at Crystal Mountain in Westbank last March.

Cory will become the first SOBC Delta athlete to compete at both the Summer and Winter National Games as he was part of SOBC Delta's National Champion 5 Pin Bowling team in 2010.

The 2012 National Winter Games will also be the qualifying competition for Special Olympics' World Winter Games to be held in Pyeongchang, South Korea in 2013.

Congratulations to our three athletes as they now begin to train and prepare for national competition and we wish them good luck on their quest to represent Canada in Korea in 2013.

Special Olympics Awareness Day at Delta's Canada Safeway Stores

2011-04-20T12:54:00.000-07:00

SOBC Delta would like to thank the athletes and volunteers who donated their time and enthusiasm to the Special Olympics Awareness Day at Safeway on April 16th. The athletes and volunteers who worked at the Ladner, Tsawwassen and North Delta Safeways represented us very well and did a great job raising funds and awareness for Special Olympics. Well done and thanks so much for participating!

A big wave from Athlete Nathan Helmer (5 Pin Bowling, Softball, Basketball) while volunteers Peter Jensen, left, and Bob Helmer, right, look on.

Athletes (and Vancouver Canucks fan!) Kim Davies (Swimming, Soccer) and Madeleine Wieczorek (Rhythmic Gymnastics, Alpine Skiing, Curling, Swimming) brought their bright smiles to our display:

CONGRATULATIONS!

2011-03-08T19:35:00.000-08:00

The SOBC Provincial Games are now complete and congratulations to the following SOBC Delta athletes:

In Figure Skating: Alison Le won a Gold Medal

In Floor Hockey: Garrett Baydala won Gold with the Richmond team, while Brad Smith, Alex Mason, and Jeff Trafford all won Bronze with Kamloops

In Alpine Skiing, Ian Mason (centre below) won a Gold in Slalom, a Silver in Super G, and a Bronze in Giant Slalom:

Here's Ian in action in the Giant Slalom:

Michael Varley (at right) won 3 Bronze Medals:

Michael racing in the Giant Slalom:

And Cory Duhaime (centre) took home Gold Medals from all 3 events:

Here's Cory in his Slalom race

And Madeleine Wieczorek in Giant Slalom action:

Later this spring, SOBC will announce which, if any, of these athletes have been selected to Team BC to compete at Special Olympics' National Winter Games in Alberta in 2012.

Congratulations too to the SOBC Delta coaches who worked with these athletes throughout the year.

Annual Pie & Cookie Fundraiser

2010-11-11T11:20:00.000-08:00

27 SOBC Delta athletes sold over $4000 worth of Pies & Cookies! After we've paid our supplier, that will give us over $1400 to spend on your sports programmes!

6 athletes each sold more than $300 so a very special SOBC Delta thank you goes to them and their families:
Darryl $301
Jason $365
Madeleine $372
Heather & Jody $419
Cory $760.

Our thanks to all 27 athletes and their families and friends for their support.

SOBC Delta Athletes In "Generic" Sports Programs

2010-09-12T14:11:00.000-07:00

Some SOBC Delta athletes also participate in "generic"sports programs - programs that are not restricted to athletes with a disability. In many cases, our athletes not only participate but excel in their chosen sport.

One example is SOBC Delta swimmer Kim Davies who also swims with the Winskill Otters in Delta. Kim has just been named as this year's recipient of the Otters' "Winning Spirit" award. Kim has been recognized for her positive attitude, her work ethic, and her team spirit. She competes in as many swim meets as she can with excellent results.

Congratulations Kim!

SOBC Delta Will Be At The SOBC World Games For The First Time Ever!

2010-08-31T12:01:00.001-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO STACEY KOHLER AND WALTER REDDECLIFF

(Stacey on top of the podium at the 2010 Special Olympics National Summer Games, July 2010)

Stacey and Walter have been selected to Team Canada - Stacey in Track and Walter in Softball - and they will compete for world championship medals at the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, Greece next summer!

As one of Delta's first ever Team Canada athletes, we know that Stacey will represent us very well. She is very committed and works hard at her sport as well as being friendly, outgoing, and an excellent teammate.

Walter will form part of a group of softball athletes from Kelowna, where he formally lived. Walter too is committed to sports excellence and will be an important member of Team Canada's softball team.

(Stacey in action at the 2010 Special Olympics National Summer Games in London, Ontario in July 2010)

We wish both of them all the best on this extraordinary journey to the birthplace of the Olympic movement while proudly wearing the Canadian Maple Leaf.

Good Luck Stacey & Walter!

National Games Highlights

2010-08-10T10:47:00.000-07:00

Here are a few highlights from our SOBC Delta athletes in action last week at the 2010 Special Olympics National Summer Games in London, Ontario. They are mainly of our Bowling Team so if any readers who were there have photos or video of the other athletes, please send them to m26316@telus.net and I will add them to this blog.

Tyler with a strike on the first day of competition:

Chelsea throws a strike of her own on Day Three against the Northwest Territories:

Then Cory, also on Day Three now playing against Ontario, and the Team's theme song - "That's The Way We Like It, A-Huh, A-Huh":

Still against the Northwest Territories, here's Kerry with a good ball and oh so close to a strike:

And then, on Day Four, the Gold Medal game, and Tyler gets things going with a strike:

Cory follows up with a strike of his own, and Coach Judith's reaction tells you this game is for Gold!

And then, the announcement that our Bowling Team had won a Gold Medal and the podium presentation:

Now, onto...

Courtenay, proud to be a member of Team BC:

Coach Matt has his athletes ready to shine:

Dalton in backstroke action in the pool (on the far side of the red lane marker)...

With a silver medal finish!

And now for some....

And Stacey in full flight to a Gold Medal finish in the 800 metres:

And the thrill and joy of victory:

If you'd like to leave any comments, please do so below and we'll see that the athlete receives them. You can do so without an account by using the "anonymous" option and showing your name in the comment itself.

Everyone Loves Another Parade!

2010-08-03T17:33:00.001-07:00

SOBC Delta athletes participated in the Tsawwassen Sun Festival Annual Parade yesterday to help increase awareness of our organization and just have a lot of fun.

Once again, SOBC Delta volunteer and dad Brian Coe provided us with the use of his vintage fire truck as the centrepiece of our walk. Thanks again Brian!

A large group of athletes and volunteers ready to get going:

National Games athlete and Gold & Silver Medalist Kerry Lamb (5 Pin Bowling) gets things going and works the crowd:

National Games athlete and Double Gold Medalist Cory Duhaime (5 Pin Bowling) chats with some spectators:

A very large crowd on hand on a beautiful Sun Fest day shows its appreciation for our athletes:

Athlete Mark Heywood (Soccer, 5 Pin Bowling) shares a few laughs with the crowd:

Cory and Kerry teaming up:

And a final look at the fire truck and our athletes:

SOBC Delta Athletes Shine At National Games!

2010-07-18T13:08:00.000-07:00

10 SOBC Delta athletes have just returned home from the 2010 Special Olympics National Summer Games in London, Ontario. And they've brought home a total of 27 medals. An excellent result for Delta's first ever participation at a National Games.

Here's the long list....it was taken from the National Games website so if there are any errors or omissions, please email m26316@telus.net and I will correct it immediately:

Stacey Kohler, Athletics:
Gold, 3000 metres
Gold, 800 metres
Gold, 1500 metres

Lisa Stratton, Rhythmic Gymnastics
Silver, Rope
Silver, Ball
Silver, Club
Silver, All-Around
Bronze, Group Ball

Mady Wieczorek, Rhythmic Gymnastics
Bronze, Ball
Bronze, Club
Bronze, Ribbon
Bronze, Group Ball

Courtenay Rekis, Aquatics
Gold, 100M Freestyle
Gold, 25M Freestyle
Bronze, 25M Butterfly

Dalton Boon, Aquatics
Silver, 100M Backstroke
Bronze, 100M Freestyle
Silver, 25M Freestyle
Gold, 50M Backstroke
Gold, 25M Backstroke

Walter Reddecliffe, Softball
Gold

Tyler Coe, 5 Pin Bowling
Gold, Individual
Gold, Team

Kerry Lamb, 5 Pin Bowling
Silver, Individual
Gold, Team

Chelsea Kaake, 5 Pin Bowling
Gold, Individual
Gold, Team

Cory Duhaime, 5 Pin Bowling
Gold, Individual
Gold, Team

Congratulations to all our athletes and a very very large thank you to Judith DeGroot and Matt Derouin, the 2 SOBC Delta coaches who obviously prepared our athletes very well.

Delta's Team BC Bowling Team Ready to Strike at National Games

2010-07-05T21:18:00.001-07:00

With just over one week to go until they represent British Columbia at Special Olympics' National Games in London, Ontario, SOBC Delta's Team BC Bowling Team are completing their final preparations. Kerry, Tyler, Cory, Coach Judith, and Chelsea are looking forward to flying the BC flag in Ontario.

With one last practice before they leave next Sunday, the team challenged their families to join them for some fun bowling, but they certainly didn't leave their competitive spirit at home! Team BC easily won all but one of the 18 matchups against their families.

First, a bit of strategizing:

Coach Judith lead her team:

Chelsea throws a perfect strike:

Tyler accepts congrats from his team for a great shot:

Dad Gary puts on a demonstation of his unique techique:

Cory with a strike, some team congrats, and feedback from his coach:

Having thoroughly beaten their families, the Team will hold one final practice before joining the other members of SOBC Delta on Team BC at Vancouver Airport next Sunday evening. We'll update this blog again next week.

Team BC Athletes Get To Work To Raise Funds for Trip to National Games

2010-06-21T18:31:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, the SOBC Delta athletes who have qualified to join Team BC at Special Olympics' National Summer Games helped raise funds to help pay for the costs of their trip. 9 of our athletes and 2 of our coaches will travel to London, Ontario on July 11, 2010.

With the generous support of Save-On-Foods in Ladner, the athletes sold hot dogs and ran a raffle. Here they are helping set up:

Track Athlete Stacey serves up a dog:

Cory (5 Pin Bowling) sells a raffle ticket:

Parent/volunteer Gary works the grill as daughter Chelsea (5 Pin Bowling) supervises:

Parent/volunteer Brian in a quality control check, as son Tyler (5 Pin Bowling) keeps an eye on him:

Chelsea and Stacey working together:

The athletes raised $861 which they will present to the SOBC Provincial Office next week. The athletes continue to train in their respective sports in preparation for the Games. Good luck to you all and good work with this fundraiser.

2010-06-05T18:01:00.000-07:00

The Delta Thunder, SOBC Delta's softball team, participated in a two-day tournament this past weekend in Coquitlam. After playing 2 divisional mini-games on Saturday morning, and then winning their next 3 regular games on Saturday and Sunday afternoon, the Thunder rolled to a first place finish in 'C' Division.

Here are some highlights from a great weekend for our softball athletes:

Here Thunder pitcher Jeff Trafford shows his form:

Later, relief pitcher Brad Smith teams up with catcher Cory Duhaime for a strike on a Surrey opponent:

Brad Smith and Ian Mason team up for a put out at first base:

Cory Duhaime with a key single that brings a Delta runner home:

A North Shore batter finds a hole between 2nd and 3rd base...left fielder Darryl Payne neatly scoops it up and fires back to Alex Mason in the infield to hold the runner at first:

Travis Meyer shows his batting skills:

2nd Baseman Troy "Scoop" Henderson lives up to his nickname, throws to Alex "Trap" Mason and another opponent batter is out at first base:

Shortstop Ian "Hoover" Mason makes a fine grab here of a North Shore line-drive and his teammates show their appreciation:

And the well-earned trophy now in the hands of SOBC Delta Thunder. Congratulations to Coach Geoff Smith and his team.

Everyone Loves A Parade!

2010-05-30T18:21:00.000-07:00

SOBC Delta athletes, coaches, and volunteers took part in the Annual Ladner May Days parade on Sunday, May 30.

With a bright yellow fire truck and plenty of SOBC Delta Purple, we brought plenty of colour to a cool and cloudy day.

Thanks so much to Bowling Coach Brian Coe for lending us his vintage fire truck, and for driving it too of course!

Here we are ready to roll, with Brian at the wheel:

The most modern fire truck interior design, circa 1947:

Athlete Heather Clark (5 Pin Bowling) ready and anxious to get parading!

A little bit of the parade action, with athlete Stacey Kohler (Track, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Swimming) waving from the truck, and a group of athletes following behind:

And a couple of views of the parade route from the top of the truck:

And one last blast of the siren as the parade comes to an end:

Thanks to all athletes, coaches, and volunteers - especially to Tracey McConnell for organizing it all - for your participation. Our appearance at our community parades is important as it increases the public's awareness of your organization which in turns helps us raise funds and recruit volunteers.

Our next parade will be for the Family Days celebration on June 27 in North Delta, where there'll be plenty of purple on display once again!

Delta Mayor Lois Jackson Honors Our National Games Athletes

2010-05-14T10:40:00.000-07:00

Mayor Lois Jackson held a reception to honour SOBC Delta athletes who will be competing at Special Olympics' National Games in July, at Delta Municipal Hall this week.

Track athlete Stacey Kohler, swimmers Dalton Boon and Courtenay Rekis, 5-Pin bowlers Tyler Coe, Cory Duhaime, Kerry Lamb, Chelsea Kaake (not pictured) with coach Judith DeGroot along with Rhythmic Gymnast Mady Wieczorek will be the first athletes to represent SOBC Delta at any Special Olympics National Games. (Walter Reddecliff, now living in Delta, will represent Kelowna).

Our Local Coordinator, Su Wieczorek, introduced the athletes to Mayor Lois Jackson, who presented the athletes with a Certificate of Recognition.

First, Stacey:

Then Dalton:

Courtenay:

Tyler:

Cory:

Kerry:

Chelsea's next:

Mady:

And Coach Judy:

The Certificate, presented to each athlete and coach:

And of course what kind of reception would it be without cake! There has to be cake, so here it is with our Athletes surrounding Mayor Jackson:

We wish to express a Special Olympics-sized thank you to Mayor Jackson for her continued tremendous support of SOBC Delta. The Mayor graciously invited us back after the Games and with continued hard work and commitment from our athletes and coaches, hopefully some of our Team will return as National Champions.

THANK YOU MAYOR JACKSON!

Fundraising Stars!

2010-05-03T16:47:00.000-07:00

A huge SOBC Delta thank you goes to Mark Heywood and Kerry Lamb for some extraordinary fundraising work.

Kerry recently donated $55 by collecting pennies and $35 in beverage container refunds, while Mark Heywood donated over $250 in beverage container refunds that he collected over the last year or so.

Thanks to both of you for your commitment and generosity.

SOBC Delta Swimming Program

2010-04-26T12:49:00.000-07:00

Our swimming program recently wrapped up its 2009-2010 season, though 2 athletes - Courtenay Rekis and Dalton Boon - will continue to work with Coach Matt to prepare for their participation in the National Summer Games in London, Ontario in July.

Here are Dalton, Kim, and Courtenay taking a little break from their lap work:

Stacey & Alexa obviously enjoying their sport:

And from last summer's Provincial Games in Abbotsford, Courtenay and Kim showing a lot of Delta Purple Pride on the Podium:

SOBC Delta thanks Matt Derouin and his team of excellent assistant coaches for a very successful year and we wish Matt, Courtenay, and Dalton good luck in London!

SOBC Delta Softball - New Season Underway

2010-04-11T16:05:00.000-07:00

The SOBC Delta Softball Team launched their 2010 season on April 4 with the help of Ladner Minor Fastpitch.

Under clear blue skies at Ladner's Hawthorne Park, Brad Smith got the season underway with a tempting lob (in yellow circle) to Ian Mason.

And Ian about to say "welcome to the new season, Brad" in his own way!

Then it's Nathan Helmer's turn at bat, under the watchful eye of Coach Jim:

It's a ground ball to Pete McCurdy at second base, who scoops up the ball and fires to first base:

Later, Pete gets his turn at bat and makes his way to third base:

And a couple of batters later Travis Meyer is heading for home!

Brad pitching again, this time with Kurtis Reid at third:

And this time Nathan makes it to first, with Coach Jim doing what SOBC Delta coaches do, helping our athletes get better, while Travis and Darryl get ready for the next batter:

SOBC Delta Softball athletes and coaches wish to thank the Ladner Minor Fastpitch Association for their tremendous support of our organization.

SOBC Delta vs Surrey Eagles in Friendly Floor Hockey Match

2010-04-10T16:20:00.000-07:00

SOBC Delta's Floor Hockey team took on the Surrey Eagles from the British Columbia Hockey League in a friendly match up one night earlier this year.

The opening faceoff has Coach Geoff giving his team some last minute encouragement:

And Delta quickly goes onto the attack quickly testing the Eagles goalie:

The SOBC Delta attack is relentless:

Delta continues to pressure the Eagles:

and is rewarded for all that hard work - GOAL!!!!

More Delta pressure:

And by the end of the game, it's SOBC Delta on top:

Thank You Surrey Eagles for a great night and for all your support.

SOBC Delta 5 Pin Bowling Wrap Up

2010-04-05T16:19:00.000-07:00

The SOBC Delta 5 Pin Bowling program wrapped up its 2009-2010 season with an in-house tournament and season awards presentation on Sunday, March 28.

The 23 athletes in our program worked hard throughout the season, and with constant feedback and encouragement from their coaches, their collective average rose by an amazing 4 points over the previous year.

Congratulations to the Tournament winners:

Heather Clark, for Ladies High Triple (54 points above average)
Wesley Gain, for Mens High Triple (102 points above average)
David Lebedovich, for Mens High Single (42 points above average)
Jody Reid and Chelsea Kaake, tied for Ladies High Single (32 points above average)

Congratulation also go to the following athletes:

Joshua Remnant, Bowler with Most Potential
Jeff Eccleton, Most Enthusiastic Bowler
David Lebedovich, Most Determined Bowler
Wesley Gain, Best New Bowler
Nathan Helmer, Most Dedicated Bowler

Tyler Coe, Runner-Up Most Top Performances
Darryl Payne, Most Top Performances

Taryn Strukoff, Most Improved Bowler - Ladies
Scott Randall, 2nd Runner Up, Most Improved Bowler - Mens
Travis Meyer, Runner Up, Most Improved Bowler - Mens
Jamie Ross, Most Improved Bowler - Mens

Alison Nicholls-Hurd, 2nd Runner Up, Highest Game Over Average - Ladies
Colleen Larden, Runner Up, Highest Game Over Average - Ladies
Heather Clark, Highest Game Over Average - Ladies
Kerry Lamb, 2nd Runner Up, Highest Game Over Average - Mens
Patrick Gomes, Runner Up, Highest Game Over Average - Mens
Jason Bond, Highest Game Over Average - Mens

Chelsea Kaake, 2nd Runner Up, Game of the Year - Ladies
Jody Reid, Runner Up, Game of the Year - Ladies
Kathy Green, Game of the Year - Ladies
Mark Heywood, 2nd Runner Up, Game of the Year - Mens
Troy Henderson, Runner Up, Game of the Year - Mens
Cory Duhaime, Game of the Year - Mens

Here are some of our athletes and coaches in action: (with apologies to those athletes and coaches not shown)

First Kerry:

Travis, with Coach Bob:

Taryn:

Coach Penny with Alison:

Cory, perhaps our most focused bowler:

Coach Brian with Nathan:

Heather:

Chelsea:

Mark:

Jason:

Patrick:

Coach Bob with David:

Kathy:

Joshua:

And finally, to end our year, our Most Improved Bowler, Jamie:

My sincere thanks to a great team of coaches - Judy, Ruth, Penny, Bob, Brian, Jim, and Keith - as well as some wonderful parents and caregivers who took a true interest in their athletes skill development and enjoyment of the game, which is what it's all about.

Michael Duhaime, Head Coach

SOBC Delta Athlete Lisa Carries The Olympic Torch!

2010-02-11T12:22:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of photos of SOBC Delta Athlete Lisa proudly carrying the Olympic Torch on February 9, 2010. And even though it's not purple, that's still a very cool uniform.

SOBC Delta is very proud of you Lisa!

2010 Spring/Summer Programs

2010-01-20T12:16:00.000-08:00

Here are the details for our Spring/Summer Programs:

Basketball:
Tuesdays, beginning January 19
7pm to 8pm
Delta Manor Elementary School, Ladner
$40.00
Head Coach: Jamie Ramsden

Softball:
Fridays, beginning April 9
6:30pm to 8:00pm
Hawthorne Park, Ladner
$25.00
Head Coach: Geoff Smith

Soccer:
Tuesdays, beginning April 6
6:30pm to 8:00pm
Mountainview Park, Ladner
$40.00
Head Coach: Dave McCombe

Active Start:
Tuesdays, beginning January 19
6:00pm to 7:00pm
Jarvis Elementary School, North Delta

Track:
Date, Time, & Location to be determined
$10.00
Head Coach: Taylor Lehwald

If you wish to register for these programs, and haven't done so already, please contact Mary-Lynn at mcassels@dccnet.com.

Special Olympics Night with the Delta Ice Hawks

2009-11-18T10:22:00.001-08:00

SOBC Delta athletes and volunteers enjoyed a night at Ladner Leisure Centre watching our Delta Ice Hawks in action. Brad, one of our Floor Hockey athletes, was invited to drop the puck for the ceremonial opening face off.

And Brad was given the puck, proudly showing it off here:

A lot of purple on those red seats:

The Ice Hawks, in white, in action:

And a friendly visit from Del Da Hawk:

Thanks Ice Hawks for a great night of hockey!

SOBC Delta & Staples Make a Great Team!

2009-11-17T16:39:00.000-08:00

With many of our athletes and volunteers working side-by-side with Staples' staff, we helped raise over $2500, well above the goal of $2000.

Our thanks to Derek and Jatin and their wonderful staff in making this event a great success.

Here's Cory and Derek celebrating the achievement:

Cory and Shana serving a customer:

Troy helping Staples' Mirielle and Shana selling dogs:

Thank you to the athletes and volunteers who all gave their time to make this a very successful event!

Our Newest Program Is Underway!

2009-11-15T18:05:00.000-08:00

Active Start, SOBC Delta's newest program, is now underway. Active Start is for 2-6 year olds and is a family-based program that focuses on basic motor skill development with attention given to positive movement experiences. It is designed to also promote proper nutrition, education, social network building, and an introduction to the amazing opportunities provided through Special Olympics BC.

Here are a few of our newest athletes at work with their coaches, volunteers, and parents.

For more information on Active Start, or any other SOBC Delta programs, just email us at sobcdelta@hotmail.com

SOBC Delta Athletes Team Up With Staples For Fundraising Effort

2009-11-08T22:55:00.000-08:00

As a Special Olympics National Sponsor, Staples is currently holding a fundraising campaign to raise money for Special Olympics. The Staples store in North Delta has set a goal of $2000 for the 10 days of this event.

Several of our athletes teamed up with Staples this weekend at their store in North Delta and helped raise about $400 in a few hours.

First, Nathan greeted customers as they entered the store and handed them a Special Olympics bookmark:

Here's Chelsea helping bag a customer's purchase:

And Cory with a smile for his customer's generous donation:

And Scott has a great smile too, this time for a very important customer:

Then Nathan decides to give Coach Bob some tips on effective fundraising:

And Cory in action, asking a customer for a donation and talking with her about the amount:

Then Kurtis gives greeting a try and hands out another bookmark to a Staples customer:

Then Kurtis and Paul working as a team:

And by the middle of the afternoon, SOBC Delta athletes had helped raise the total to nearly $500. More athletes will be participating over the next 10 days so look for an update soon showing how we're close we're getting to our $2000 goal.

SOBC Delta thanks Jatin and his staff at Staples North Delta for their support of our organization.

IT'S NO TRICK! DELTA BOWLERS' PERFORMANCE A REAL TREAT AT HALLOWEEN TOURNAMENT!

2009-10-25T19:11:00.000-07:00

SOBC Delta took home 1st Place trophies at the Annual Halloween Bowling Tournament at Scottsdale Lanes in Surrey today. Tyler Coe, Chelsea Kaake, Kathy Green, Travis Meyer, Cory Duhaime, and Coach Judy bagged 1st place with a truly spooky performance. Some said the other teams didn't have a ghost of a chance.

Congratulations and thank you for making SOBC Delta proud.

Delta Mayor and Council Honour SOBC Delta Athletes!

2009-09-14T20:37:00.000-07:00

On Monday, September 14, 2009, Mayor Lois Jackson and Delta Council honoured the athletes and coaches who represented Delta so well at the SOBC Provincial Summer Games in Abbotsford last July.

During a televised regular council meeting, Mayor Jackson expressed gratitude and pride in Team Delta's hard work and achievements. Each athlete and coach was introduced and the Mayor presented pins and shook hands with each athlete.

Delta Purple prominent in the first couple of rows:

Mayor Jackson's opening remarks:

And now she introduces Su "ummm":

Then Su's opening remarks:

The introduction of our soccer 'B' team, with a bit of fun with Dalton's name, and Mayor Jackson with Salaudin, both Marks, Jeff, and Dalton:

Softball players Alex, Ian, and Pete:

Nathan's next, silver medallist in Softball Individual Skills, and gets a little help from Pete:

From Track & Field, Stacey and Alexa:

Now our bowlers Kerry, Chelsea, Cory, Tyler, and Kathy:

Swimmers Kim, Michael, Dalton, and Courtenay:

Rhythmic Gymnasts Becki, Mady, Lisa, and

Soccer 'C' team members Travis and Brad:

Su introduces our Team BC members, who will be going to the National Summer Games in London next July, the first time ever that Delta athletes will be competing at a National Games:

The Mayor's closing remarks and the exit procession of our athletes:

All of us at SOBC Delta wish to thank Mayor Lois Jackson for her tremendous support of our athletes. You can easily tell from their faces in the videos that the Mayor's recognition and appreciation is very important to them.

2009/2010 Fall & Winter Program Details

2009-08-27T12:00:00.000-07:00

Shown below are the details for our 2009/2010 fall and winter sports programs:

(Basketball has been cancelled)

5-Pin Bowling:
Sundays, beginning October 18
9am to 11am
The Zone Bowling Centre in Richmond
Cost: $90.00
Head Coach: Michael Duhaime

Curling:
Saturdays, beginning October 3
2pm to 4pm
Thistle Curling Club, North Delta
Cost: $60.00
Head Coach: Mark Smith

Floor Hockey:
Wednesdays, beginning September 30
7:00pm to 9:00pm
McCloskey Elementary, North Delta (Sept - Dec)
Beach Grove Elementary, Tsawwassen (Jan - Mar)
Cost: $35.00
Head Coach: Keith Bourne

Rhythmic Gymnastics:
Tuesdays, beginning September 29
6:30pm to 8:00pm
Holly Elementary School, Ladner
Cost: $70.00
Head Coach: Courtney Keith

Swimming:
Fridays, beginning October 2
6:30pm to 8:00pm
Ladner Leisure Centre
Cost: $70.00
Head Coach: Matt Derouin

Weight Training:
Fridays
Starting Date and Time to be determined
Ladner Leisure Centre
No cost
Head Coach: John Close

Alpine Skiing
Starting date, costs, and location to be determined
Head Coach: Rodger Hayes

Active Start
New Program for 2 - 6 year olds (Parents must participate with child)
Tuesdays, beginning September 29
6:00pm to 7:00pm
Pinewood Elementary, North Delta
Cost: $20.00

The costs shown above are program fees only. In addition, there is an annual $30 registration fee to be paid by all athletes except for those in the Active Start program.

If you have any questions concerning registration, contact MaryLynn at mcassels@dccnet.com

SOBC 2009 PROVINCIAL SUMMER GAMES

2009-08-05T12:09:00.000-07:00

36 Delta athletes participated in the SOBC Provincial Summer Games in Abbotsford on July 9, 10, and 11.

These 36 athletes, participating in bowling, soccer, softball, track, rhythmic gym, and swimming brought home 54 medals! Delta's best ever Provincial Games performance.

Our thanks to the coaches and volunteers who made this possible, and congratulations to all 36 athletes who worked hard to qualify for the Games.

Here are the results:

Bowling (6 medals): Kerry, Chelsea, Tyler, and Cory won Team Gold, with Tyler and Cory earning Individual Gold. Kathy won bronze with Burnaby.

Soccer (9): Our 'B' Team won bronze, playing in the A Division!

Softball (4): Ian, Alex, Peter won Gold with Burnaby and Nathan earned an Individual Silver.

Track (4): Stacey won 2 Gold and 1 Bronze; and Alexa won Silver

Rhythmic Gym (14): Asha 1 Bronze; Becki 1 Silver 1 Bronze; Lisa 3 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze; Mady 3 Gold, 2 Silver, 1 Bronze

Swimming (16): Michael, Kim, Dalton, and Courtenay won a total of 16 medals in the pool!

Now we all wait to hear which athletes will be asked to represent BC at the Special Olympics National Games in London, Ontario in July 2010. We'll post that announcement as soon as we hear.

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