Eleven Campbell River athletes bound for Special Olympics Canada Summer Games
Published 7:30 am Saturday, August 1, 2026
Eleven athletes from Campbell River will travel to Medicine Hat on August 9 to compete at the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games.
These athletes are among the more than 200 athletes representing Team BC, who have spent the past year training for the national competition. Five Campbell River coaches will accompany the team.
This year’s Games will bring together more than 1,700 athletes and coaches, supported by approximately 1,500 volunteers. In addition to competing for national medals, athletes will be vying for the opportunity to represent Canada at the 2027 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Santiago, Chile.
One of Campbell River’s competitors is Ian Zipser, who will compete in golf. Zipser has been involved with Special Olympics for three years participating in softball, floorball, basketball and club fit, as well as golf. This will be his first appearance at the National Games.
To prepare, Zipser has been practicing at the Campbell River Golf Club at least three times a week.
“Sometimes I play holes and sometimes I practice,” he said. “I am looking forward to golfing at Nationals, meeting other athletes and having fun.”
Campbell River will also be represented in track and field by Ashley Adie and Hazen Meade.
Adie has participated in Special Olympics for 23 years. In addition to track and field, she competes in snowshoeing, swimming, floorball, 10-pin bowling and powerlifting.
She has attended four National Games—twice in snowshoeing and twice in track and field—and was selected to compete at the 2022 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Kazan, Russia. Unfortunately, those Games were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and were later cancelled.
“I am looking forward to making fun memories at Nationals,” said Adie, “cheering on my teammates and doing my best!”
Meade represented Canada in snowshoeing at the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games in South Korea. He has competed at six National Games in snowshoeing and two in track and field.
To prepare for this year’s competition, Meade has been training consistently.
“I have been preparing by running three kilometres every Sunday,” he said. “I run every chance I get. I have also been seeing a physiotherapist and doing everything he recommends.”
Meade credits Special Olympics with helping him stay active, maintain a healthy lifestyle, meet new people and experience new places.
Also representing Campbell River on Team B.C. are:
Victor Goslin – 10-pin bowling
Jo-Dee Ingram, Bryan Jorgensen and Patrik Lowe – bocce ball
Breanna Lutzer and Hannah Taylor – rhythmic gymnastics
Maire Anderson – women’s soccer
Calum McLagan – powerlifting
The team will be accompanied by coaches Ann Jorgensen (bocce), David Ell (mission staff), Lynne Macara (rhythmic gymnastics), George Maclagan (powerlifting) and Steve Zipser (golf).
The Campbell River athletes will join hundreds of teammates from across British Columbia in representing the province on the national stage, showcasing not only their athletic abilities but also the dedication, perseverance, and spirit of Special Olympics.