#YearOfYou with Torben Schuffert

At viaSport, we’re passionate about capturing authentic, diverse, and influential stories from all in the BC sport community. The following story is a part of our #YearOfYou series, which focuses on telling stories from individuals from varying experience levels and walks of life.

Sport is for everyone: getting involved in sport not only improves long-term health, but shapes well-rounded, resilient individuals. Participating can help you build meaningful friendships, find community, and positively shape the course of your life on and off the field. Learn more about #YearOfYou and how to start your own journey in sport here.

Torben Schuffert’s journey is one of perseverance, growth, and the power of community. Torben’s love for sport has grown over the years, and today, he participates in track and field, swimming, alpine skiing, Club Fit, and Fit Families & Friends with Special Olympics BC. But his path to becoming an athlete wasn’t always so clear.

Torben started walking later than other toddlers around him and struggled with coordination, but at the age of 11, Torben’s life took a turn when he was introduced to Special Olympics. “I started to walk very late and had a lot of problems with coordination. I needed a lot of explanations and support from my coaches. My Special Olympics coaches were awesome. We had fun while figuring out how to help me.”

The sport community has not only helped him develop physically but also provided social connections for him. “In Special Olympics, everyone was OK with me. No one laughed at me. I felt like I was part of something,” Torben says.

“When I was 4 years old, I could only walk a maximum of 100 meters,” says Torben. “This summer, I ran a 10K for track and field. I was tired but very happy, and there were people cheering for me the whole time, so I kept going and finished it.” Torben has also qualified twice to compete in the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games for snowshoeing. Today, he uses the skills he’s developed over the years to inspire others and raise awareness for athletes in Special Olympics BC.

For Torben, sport is about much more than just staying active—it’s about connection, growth, and personal fulfilment. “My sports make me feel happy, I am part of a team. I am a healthy and fit person. I am a proud athlete. Because I am happy with myself, I can support my teammates and be happy for them,” he shares.

Torben encourages everyone to give sports a try: “You should try it out. It can be fun, it gets you active, and you’ll feel so much better. Sometimes things are hard at the beginning, but if you stick with it, it becomes easier.” Torben’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of staying active, being kind to ourselves, and supporting others along the way.