Special Olympics Prince George had plenty to celebrate this past weekend.
On Sunday, Special Olympics athletes, coaches, and supporters gathered at the Central BC Railway and Forestry Museum for a year-end wrap up party.
“It’s encouraging not only the athletes and the kids, but the young parents that go with young kids, to know that community’s here, community’s here, and this is what we can provide for you,” said Athlete Ambassador Adam Spokes.
The event also served as a milestone anniversary celebration for Special Olympics Prince George, which has been operating in the Northern Capital for 40 years.
“40 years of people who started as kids, that are now in their 40s and 50s, still competing, still in the community, still part of the community, and that’s what it’s about,” Spokes added. “It’s about not putting a time frame on life, Special O is about starting when you’re a kid, through your teens, through being an adult, and then you helping the next generation as well, it’s about continuation.”
Towards the end of the party, Dee Neukomm was presented with the Special Olympics Prince George Spirit of Inclusion Award.
The award is a new award, established by the Special Olympics Prince George Athlete Leadership Council, recognizing an individual who demonstrates an unwavering commitment to inclusion, respect, acceptance, and creating opportunities for athletes of all abilities to thrive.
“She’s one of the few flag posts, she’s a constant presence,” Spokes said of Neukomm. “If you have a problem Dee’s there, if you have a question, if you’re trying to do something, you know you can trust her to ask a question and get the answer. In this time and this age, it’s not very common to have somebody that’s always there and always can be depended upon, and that’s a wonderful thing.”
“Dee Neukom has helped shape Special Olympics Prince George into the welcoming and inclusive community it is today,” said Local Special Olympics Coordinator Peter Goudal. “For more than 40 years, she has led with kindness, dedication, and an unwavering belief in our athletes. She represents everything this award stands for, making her a truly deserving recipient of our very first Spirit of Inclusion Award.”
“It’s just very special to my heart, because all these people have a potential to improve their lives, and to become individuals and part of the community,” Neukomm said. “That’s what it’s all about, is them seeing advancement, them growing, them enjoying life, whereas quite often, they wouldn’t have that opportunity.”
Neukomm was chosen by the athletes to receive the Spirit of Inclusion Award, which she said is heartwarming.
“It’s very special to me,” she said. “It’s just been such a part of my life, it’s my passion, I love it.”
She added it’s the athletes that keep her coming back.
“It’s just so wonderful to see them accomplish a even small little thing, like bouncing a ball for rhythmic gym or using hoop and use a ribbon,” she said. “Just to see their own accomplishment and how happy they are when they learn different skills.”
Neukomm said Special Olympics is a very special organization helping thousands of athletes around the world.
“If Special Olympics wasn’t around, it would be a sad world,” she said.
In Prince George, Special Olympics offers year-round sport, health, and leadership opportunities with intellectual disabilities, creating an inclusive community where individuals can develop skills, build friendships, and reach their full potential.
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