Special Olympics British Columbia is honoured to announce a transformative $1 million endowment from the Ron and Alma Jones Family Foundation.
This life-changing gift will ensure that athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities in 55 communities across B.C. will be able to access inclusive sport opportunities for many years to come.
The endowment fund will provide long-term support for Special Olympics BC athletes to train, compete, and thrive in year-round sport, youth, and health programs at low or no cost.
This is an essential commitment at a time when many athletes and families are facing significant financial pressures.
The Jones Family’s support for Special Olympics BC spans decades, reflecting a heartfelt commitment to inclusion and enriching community.
In the late 1980s, Ron Jones helped strengthen Special Olympics BC’s newly established partnership with the New Car Dealers Association of BC.
The New Car Dealers and the Jones Family continued to make a meaningful difference for Special Olympics BC over the last four decades through the annual Auction for Athletes.
Ron and Alma’s commitment to empowering athletes with intellectual disabilities continues to inspire their children, Scott and Michelle, who proudly carry this tradition forward.
“The Ron and Alma Jones Family Foundation, together with all the Jones family members, are delighted to continue contributing to Special Olympics BC,” said Ron Jones, Chairperson of the Ron and Alma Jones Family Foundation. “Our family believes that all people deserve the opportunity to participate and compete in sport, as well as performing to the best of their ability. In doing so, it will enrich their lives in developing relationships at both the local and international level that will last a lifetime.”
“For many athletes with intellectual disabilities and their families, Special Olympics represents much more than sport. It is a true community – a safe and welcoming place to discover purpose, build friendships, and feel a sense of belonging,” said Dan Howe, President and CEO of Special Olympics BC. “We are deeply grateful to the Ron and Alma Jones Family Foundation for this extraordinary gift, which arrives at a moment when fostering inclusion and acceptance is more important than ever.”
In addition to building long-term access to programs, the Ron and Alma Jones Family Foundation is also making an immediate impact for Special Olympics BC.
They have generously committed to matching all donations made to Special Olympics BC from December 1 to 31 – up to $50,000.
This significant matching gift will inspire community support, doubling donors’ impact during the holiday giving season.
To donate today and double your impact, visit www.specialolympics.bc.ca/give. Each gift helps athletes with intellectual disabilities access Special Olympics BC programs at low or no cost to build skills, friendships, and lifelong connections.
About the Ron and Alma Jones Family Foundation
The Ron and Alma Jones Family Foundation was created in 2021 by Ron and Alma Jones along with their children and their spouses.
The Jones family gives back to their community of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, the Fraser Valley and Vancouver regions, and the province of British Columbia.
The Foundation is proud to improve the lives of others by making annual donations to organizations supporting youth, sports, arts and culture, and healthcare.
About Special Olympics British Columbia
Special Olympics BC is dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities through sport.
In 55 communities around the province, SOBC provides year-round sport training and competition opportunities in 18 sports to more than 3,400 athletes of all ages and a wide range of ability levels.
For more information, please visit www.specialolympics.bc.ca and find us on Facebook, Instagram, Flickr, TikTok @specialolympicsbc and on X/Twitter @SpecialOBC.
Media Contact:
Amanda Liao
Communications Manager, Fund Development
Special Olympics BC
Phone: (778) 938 8202
Email: aliao@specialolympics.bc.ca
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