A new vehicle will help some local athletes on the road to the Special Olympics.
Nineteen-year-old Josh Low, his brother, Jaycob Low, 15, and 26-year-old Stuart Stevenson, were at the Langley Chrysler Dodge Jeep dealership last week to accept a brand-new 2011 Dodge Caravan on behalf of Special Olympics BC.
The car was presented by the New Car Dealers Foundation of B.C.
“This vehicle will be a great asset for us as we build programs, competitions and opportunities for people with an intellectual disability around B.C.,” said Dan Howe, president and CEO of Special Olympics BC.
“It’s also an amazing symbol of generosity of B.C.’s New Car Dealers, who have been dedicated supporters of Special Olympics for more than 26 years.”
The vehicle was purchased through proceeds from the Vancouver International Auto Show’s 2011 annual Dream Car Lottery.
The Trotman Automotive Group provided the vehicle through its Langley Chrysler Dodge Jeep dealership.
Paul McGeachie, the executive director of the New Car Dealers Foundation of B.C. and Mike Trotman, the president and CEO of the Trotman Automotive Group, presented the keys to Howe and the athletes.
Josh Low plays hockey and track and field, while his brother is involved with basketball, softball and track and field.
Stevenson plays basketball, soccer and softball and competed at last year’s Canadian national championships.
He says competing with the Special Olympics program allows him to meet other athletes. He especially likes the team sports.
And all three are aiming to represent Canada at the 2013 Special Olympics World Games, which will be held in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
And while the main focus of competing is having fun, the athletes make no secret of their real goals.
“I enjoy team sports and friends and family,” Jaycob Low said, adding the thrill of competition and winning ribbons for their efforts are great, too.
His brother takes it one step further.
“I like beating everyone; I don’t like losing,” he admitted. “I like being number one.”