This year’s concert in support of Special Olympics Delta has raised more than $5,000 for athletes with intellectual disabilities in the community.
The event, which took place on April 8 at the South Delta Baptist Church, was the second annual fundraiser for Special Olympics Delta, an association that supports 70 athletes with intellectual disabilities in Delta.
The funds will support athletes going to the Special Olympics B.C. Summer Games in July, as well as providing equipment and gym time for all Special Olympians.
“We think we achieved our goals,” said Lynn Davies, an executive member for Special Olympics Delta. “We’re very happy...for our athletes, to be able to continue to provide programs for them.”
"So this is really going to help.”
The concert featured performances by the Delta Concert Band and the Delta Choral Society. It ended the afternoon with two ensemble pieces with both the choir and the band: “This is My Home” by Robert Buckley and “The Best You Can Be,” originally written for a documentary about the 1996 Canadian Olympic team.
During the concert, there were also speeches by two Special Olympians, Chelsea Kaake and Kim Davies, as well as a slideshow and video presentation about the athletes.
“It kind of personalizes everything,” Lynn Davies said about the concert. “We’re all human, right. And I think it just shows great community support for our organization.”