Skip to content

Special Richmond people awarded

Athlete and coach recognized for outstanding achievement and service to the Special Olympics organizations

Two Richmondites from the world of Special Olympics have four very special reasons to smile.

Swimmer Magnus Batara has been named the Special Olympics British Columbia Athlete of the Year, while longtime Special Olympics Richmond team coach Glen Ellison won three awards, including the Special Olympics Canada Male Coach of the Year.

Batara, who is autistic and will turn 23 next month, has broken all kinds of records in his seven years in the pool.

“He’s not 100 per cent sure of what he’s been awarded, but he was very happy,” said Batara’s mom, Dayan, from her home.

“It was the same when he broke some world records in March, he wasn’t totally sure what he’d just done.”

Batara, who trains at the Wayland Swim Club in Ironwood, holds the Special Olympics Canada Games record for 50m breaststroke and in April 2013, he set the International Paralympic World and Pan Am records for 50m and 200m breaststroke.

According to Special Olympics BC (SOBC), Batara is “looked up to by his swimming teammates… his dedication to his swimming is unparalleled and inspires those around him.”

Ellison, meanwhile, was modest in his acceptance of the SOBC Grassroots Coach of the Year, ViaSport B.C. Coach of the Year and, most significantly, the Special Olympics Canada Male Coach of the Year.

“I was pretty excited,” said Ellison, who has been coaching all manner of Special Olympic sports in Richmond for more than 30 years.

“But I’m not the one for seeking out adulation, that’s not why I do this.”

Ellison told how he originally got into coaching Special Olympic athletes through his brother, Scottie, who has Down syndrome.

“He’s my best friend and was the best man at my wedding as well.

“Myself and my dad both coached for years until he passed away and I’ve been doing it ever since.”

Ellison has been the head coach of floor hockey, basketball, soccer and softball and has helped out and assisted with many other sports. If there is a job to be done, said SOBC, “Glen is there. He is truly amazing and his coaching talents and care for athletes are unprecedented. He is truly amazing.”