- When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?
- Grayce Hilton has been a Special Olympics BC athlete for four years, after her mother found the movement and thought it would be a great space for her two kids.
- Grayce says that being part of Special Olympics makes her feel “noticed, inspiring, and encouraging to other athletes that they are able to get up and do things too. It doesn’t matter what disability you have; you can still get involved and be part of it.”
- What sports do you participate in?
- Grayce participates in swimming, bocce, and softball.
- She is a keen competitor who puts her heart into her sports. She is also very encouraging and supportive of fellow athletes.
- What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date?
- Grayce enjoys travelling for Special Olympics events, showing her abilities in competitions, and meeting other individuals who have disabilities.
- Grayce is a supportive athlete who says, “I encourage other individuals who have disabilities and I say it doesn’t matter what your disabilities are, go for it.”
- What competitions have you been part of recently and/or upcoming?
- Grayce proudly competed in swimming in the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games, where she earned five medals!
- She also raced in swimming in the 2026 BC Summer Games in Kelowna, competing in the Special Olympics events, where she captured four medals!
- “Overall, I’m proud of being able to represent the Region that I live in and come home with four medals from BC Games, and from [SOBC Games in] Prince George I came home with 5. They were heavy!” Grayce says, laughing. “I feel very accomplished. That really shows that there are opportunities for people of different ages with disabilities, they can go far if they put their heart to it.”
- What would you say about Special Olympics to encourage someone to get involved?
- “I would definitely say set your mind to what you want to do, commit and like my mom says, all that matters is you go and try your best, and it doesn’t matter if you come home with a medal or not, you tried. Give it your all!” Grayce says.
- A bit more about Grayce
- Grayce enjoys her work in early childhood education at Westview Elementary.
- Grayce brings her positive attitude throughout her sports and community! She is known for being very supportive and encouraging. Grayce shares that she also has a genetic condition called Sotos syndrome, which is a learning disorder that affects speech and motor development.
- “It doesn’t matter what disability you have, just go for it! Get out there and try, because you never know what lies ahead!” Grayce says.
Special Olympics BC is dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and building inclusion through the power and joy of sport.
In 55 communities around the province, including 10 right here on Vancouver Island, Special Olympics provides year-round sport, youth, and health programs and empowering competitions to more than 3,400 athletes with intellectual disabilities of all ages and a wide range of ability levels.
Athletes access Special Olympics BC’s life-changing programs and competitions at low or no cost, thanks to the dedicated efforts of our 2,200 coaching and organizing volunteers, and the generous support of our sponsors and donors.
They are always in need of volunteers! To get involved, click HERE
