Mission Special Olympics Memorial Wall

Mission Special Olympics Athlete Joe Rikley

1980 - 2017

A beloved character from the community of Mission.Joe loved being an athlete with Special Olympics - Mission. Joe basically grew up in Mission and knew almost everyone quite well. He began his journey in a wheelchair when he was sixteen, but that never stopped him from doing what he loved to do. He was involved with Special Olympics, Joe was in and out of it throughout his life, but several years before he passed away, Joe became completely involved with Special Olympic Bowling. He also helped out regularly with Special Olympic volunteering at Heritage Park with many of the events that was at the park put on including Twilight concerts and Canada Day. Joe had defeated the odds of all doctors that told him he would not live passed sixteen, but yet he died at the proud age of thirty-seven.It was a complete shock to family and friends of his passing, but he would say he lived a great life being involved with everything and everyone. Wherever he may be, he is probably doing DJing a gig right now, as that was the biggest part of his life, his music. Joe lived an extraordinary life for someone living with his disability. He never faltered and never let anything stop him from doing what he wanted, no matter what it was. He was definitely a person that many would probably idol or look up to when you needed help or advice. He was a very strong, very kind person and a very good athlete.

On behalf of Special Olympics BC-Mission and all the athletes . We miss you Joe and you were a great person great athlete and a role modal to young youth they looked up to you we celebrate good times your DJ Wheels music you were best Joe.

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