Ian Bray, Jim McKinlay, Shane Blandin & David Higgins

Title: What’s So Special About Special Olympics?!

In this session, a team of athletes and coaches will present a brief history of the origins of Special Olympics and explain the relationship of this worldwide sporting organization to that of other worldwide sporting organizations like the Olympics. We’ll provide information about the concept of “intellectual disability”, which is referred to as “neurodivergent”, which is applicable to all Special Olympic athletes.

You will be introduced to the Oceanside Chapter of Special Olympics BC (SOBC), one of the most dynamic local chapters on Vancouver Island and learn about our growth, successes and challenges. Athletes will share their personal stories about what sport has done for them.

Brief Bios:
Ian Bray is a retired advertising writer and Creative Director. He and his wife retired to the island in 2021 and he started volunteering with Special Olympics that same year. He has coached track and field, basketball and soccer and, as a Director on the Oceanside Board, helps out with public relations, fundraising and general dogsbody functions as needed – like this type of public presentation.

Jim McKinlay and his wife Colleen moved to Craig Bay in 2018, as he began to wind down his Management Consulting business. He has been a volunteer swim coach with Special Olympics for the past six years. One of his many success stories is Stephanie Button, who is competing in this year’s Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat in August – a far cry from six years ago when completing one length of the pool was a challenge! Jim is also an active member of the neighbouring Northwest Bay Probus Club and is currently serving as their Past President.

Shayne Blandin has been a Special Olympics athlete for nearly 20 years, and she has competed in multiple sports and been very successful in nearly every one. She has earned 20 competitive medals and a wheelbarrow full of ribbons and certificates. She has participated in Special Olympics leadership conferences and courses. She will gladly chat with you and share a smile as she takes your order at Tim Horton’s in Parksville. She will share her story with you about how she got that job.

David Higgins joined Special Olympics Oceanside in 2021 and has competed in softball, curling, golf and bocce. He shared the initial “Flying Phil Award for Sportsmanship” in 2025, in recognition of his mentorship, positive attitude and encouragement of his fellow athletes. David has spoken to City Council and various groups and is always willing to volunteer for Special Olympics.