The crowd is buzzing, the score is close, and the tension on the field is thick. Then James finds his moment—two goals in quick succession. The Chilliwack Wolves take control of the gold medal match, and his teammates know they’ve done it. Final score: 5–2. The Wolves are champions.
James, his wife Jacquie, and their teammate Yoshi are members of Vedder Terrace, an intentional community in Chilliwack supported by Bethesda. Being part of the Chilliwack Wolves Special Olympics soccer team gives them more than just a chance to play—it provides connection, purpose, and belonging to a larger community. Standing on the podium at the Special Olympics BC Summer Games in Prince George, medals in hand, they felt the thrill of victory, but even more, the pride and empowerment that come from being part of something bigger than themselves.
The Journey to Prince George
The excitement began long before the games. On the morning of July 10, James, Jacquie, and Yoshi waited outside a Chilliwack Tim Hortons for the bus that would take their team—and another from North Vancouver—on a journey to Prince George. After a stop in Williams Lake, they arrived at their destination, checked into their rooms, and were swept up in the energy of the opening ceremonies at the CN Centre.
This was the first BC Special Olympics Summer Games in eight years. And what an event. Music, cheering crowds, waving flags, and brightly colored event shirts welcomed 870 athletes from across the province. Walking into the stadium, the three members of Vedder Terrace felt the pride of being part of this inclusive, supportive community.
Competition and Confidence
The next day it was down to business. The games tested their focus and skills, even as summer rain fell on the first day. But nothing could deter them. They played two matches and won both. James, who has played Special Olympics soccer for 12 years, reflected on the experience, “I know how hard we practice and what we can do—I wasn’t surprised that we won.”
Yoshi, team captain and a lifelong soccer player, shared his own perspective, “We practice every Wednesday from April to June, and the rest of the year we stay fit through Special Olympics programs. That’s what gives us confidence when it’s game time.”
Jacquie, too, has been playing soccer since elementary school. As one of only two women on the team, she was chosen by her teammates to represent women and hopes to inspire more to join, “Don’t be shy. Try coming to an event in your area. You’ll make friends and discover what you can do.”
Their dedication and teamwork paid off. The Wolves won both games on the second day, earning gold for their region.
Sportsmanship and Growth
Beyond medals, Special Olympics teaches generosity, teamwork, and character. Yoshi recalls helping an opposing player score during a game the Wolves had already secured. That goal was the first the other team had scored in two years, and the joy it sparked among the team members lifted everyone’s spirits. “Growth and encouragement come from each other,” Yoshi says. “And it doesn’t hurt to play in front of a cheering crowd either!”
Belonging and Purpose
That’s what Special Olympics is truly about—building each other up, celebrating courage, and proving that everyone belongs. For James, Jacquie, and Yoshi, it goes beyond the their team. Their membership at Vedder Terrace, supported by Bethesda, allows them to fully participate, stay active, and find purpose.
As Jacquie sums it up, “I’ve heard you can do anything if you put your mind to it.”
For these Wolves players, that belief is more than words—it’s lived every time they practice, cheer for each other, and compete. Whether they earn the chance to go to Nationals or not, they’ve already discovered the confidence, friendships, and sense of purpose that come from being part of something bigger than themselves.
Featured cover image. The Chilliwack Wolves soccer team celebrating their gold medal victory at the 2025 Special Olympics Summer Games in Prince George. Photo credit: Jeff Burnett
