Goldcorp announces doubling of $1 million gift to Special Olympics BC
Goldcorp President & CEO Chuck Jeannes (left) with young SOBC athlete Oliver Sutherland and Oliver's father James on June 17.
At the 2014 Goldcorp Invitational Golf Tournament held June 17, 2014, Vancouver-based gold miner Goldcorp Inc. announced a $1-million gift to Special Olympics BC (SOBC), providing meaningful, life-changing opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, and doubling the company’s previous gift of $1 million, which was announced in 2011.
The 2011 gift from Goldcorp allowed SOBC to more than double the number of youth programs offered around the province from 30 to 80. Now almost 900 children with intellectual disabilities as young as two years old are learning vital social and motor skills and becoming active in sport. The announcement at the tournament of an additional $1 million, to be disbursed over four years, will enable further growth of those programs, and the establishment of new program offerings that will increase the opportunities for SOBC athletes to train, compete, and improve their health.
“Over the last eight years, Goldcorp has been an incredible partner that genuinely seeks to make a lasting difference for individuals with intellectual disabilities. They see the powerful impact Special Olympics has on the lives of athletes – the confidence and joy these frequently marginalized people feel through their opportunities to participate and compete with Special Olympics, and the essential skills and important health benefits they attain through sport,” said SOBC President & CEO Dan Howe. “Goldcorp has made a huge difference for our organization and their new commitment will support our next four-year plan for expansion and enhancement of opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities of all ages.”
“Goldcorp is pleased to support Special Olympics BC as part of our commitment to creating lasting positive social and economic benefits in each of the communities where we have operations, ” said Chuck Jeannes, Goldcorp President and CEO. “It’s so rewarding to sponsor these athletes who would otherwise be on the sidelines and to watch them compete, learn, and grow.”
Special Olympics transforms lives through the joy of sport every day, ending the isolation and exclusion that used to be faced by people with intellectual disabilities. Through Special Olympics, they attain skills, friendships, confidence, and critical health benefits – and they inspire everyone who gets to see them in action.
Source: Special Olympics BC
