A Kamloops woman is being recognized by the Federal Government for her volunteer work.

Marilyn McLean was given the Thérèse Casgrain Lifelong Achievement Award at a ceremony in Ottawa yesterday, Dec. 5, recognizing her 42 year long association with the Special Olympics of British Columbia.

McLean was recognized by the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Karina Gould, for helping to ensure that people with intellectual disabilities have access to sport and competition opportunities around the year.

A signing officer for Special Olympics BC’s first ever Constitution, McLean was also a member of the organizations’ first ever board of directors in 1980. She also formed the Kamloops chapter of Special Olympics British Columbia in 1982 and has been involved with the group ever since.

“Marilyn recognized that there were very few opportunities in health and sport for people with intellectual disabilities,” David Iwassa, the co-chair of the Volunteer Awards’ National Advisory Council said during Monday’s ceremony.

“She decided to do something about it.”

In 2002, McLean was inducted into the Special Olympics BC Hall of Fame in the Builder category, and in 2018 was inducted into the Kamloops Sports Hall of Fame.

As part of the prize, McLean was given a $10,000 grant to give to the non-profit organizations of her choice.

“The stories and achievements of our Canada’s Volunteer Awards recipients are truly inspiring, and it is an honour to recognize and celebrate their accomplishments,” Minister Gould said, in a statement.

“I also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers from across Canada who continue to contribute to finding new and innovative ways of making a difference in their communities.”