🏀 Team Canada is gearing up for an incredible milestone: the first-ever Special Olympics Unified 3×3 Basketball World Cup, and Ontario is leading the charge!
For the first time in history, athletes with and without intellectual disabilities will come together in San Juan, Puerto Rico to compete as teammates on a global stage, proudly representing their countries. This groundbreaking event will feature 20 men’s teams and 18 women’s teams from 29 countries, showcasing the true power of inclusion through sport.
We couldn’t be prouder of the 10 student-athletes and four coaches from Ontario who are paving the way for change. These inspiring individuals are breaking barriers, redefining what sport can be, and sparking a new era of inclusion. Both teams are made up of students and educators from J. Clarke Richardson and Albert Campbell Collegiate Institute, two schools recognized across Ontario for their leadership in the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools movement.
Let’s get to know these incredible athletes and hear about their basketball journeys and experiences with Special Olympics below!
Amelia Brown
I love all sports. I have been playing sports as long as I can remember. My favourites are track and field, soccer, floorball, and of course basketball. Throughout my high school career, I have earned many medals at both OFSAA for track and field, and I have three gold medals from the Special Olympics School Champs Provincials in floorball. I am a force in any sport I play, and will bring my competitiveness to the court in Puerto Rico. I am very excited for this trip because it will be my first time on an airplane! This trip represents a trip of a lifetime and also a trip to mark my last year of high school, as I will be graduating from the Transition to Work Program this semester and entering the world of work. My favourite food is curry goat and in my free time I like to watch movies and listen to music. I have the biggest megawatt smile that you can't wait to see when I am laying up baskets in Puerto Rico.
Ariana Janjua
I really love playing sports at my school, especially because I learned to play basketball there. My favourite food is bean burrito, with nachos and beans salsa. In my free time I love to draw and paint landscapes.
Chereese Haynes
My name is chereese Haynes, I’m in grade 11, I’m 16 years old, I enjoy sports, hanging out with my friends and family, and making crafts or DIYs.
Mysha Jeofry
My name is Mysha Jeofry, I started playing basketball when I was 9. I would watch my dad and cousins play, so playing basketball was part of the cultural norm in my family, and I started playing too. I played competitively with the boys for a few years and then transitioned to playing with girls and continue to play now. I was introduced to SO in Grade 10 at JCR through my involvement with the Richardson Athletic Council. I participated in the Leadership Summit at the Provincial Games in Ottawa and am now spearheading the ‘Best Buddies' program at JCR, in addition to my ongoing support of Unified Sports and inclusive intramurals at the school and being a member of the Unified Leadership Council. I am currently taking French and Spanish courses at JCR and will be our ‘unofficial' translator on the trip. This trip is a dream opportunity for me because I have always wanted to travel to a Hispanic island. In my free time, I also tutor students with exceptionalities.
Makayla Robinson
I joined Special Olympics at Albert Campbell during my grade 12 year in 2023. I have always been interested in trying new things that might be out of my comfort zone with the support and encouragement of my coaches, Ms. Kil and Ms. Waller. Being part of Special Olympics has helped me open up and be a part of something much bigger than just a team. I joined the leadership program in my school and worked with children of all ages with disabilities and special needs. After graduating, I returned to Albert Campbell to better my co-op education and continued to be a part of Special Olympics, where my team won silver in the basketball showcase in 2024 as well as at the Provincials in Ottawa in 2025, where we brought home silver in Bocce. I have started my secondary education and help out in rehab centres now; however, I am still committed to working my best and giving my all to be part of Special Olympics. I am proud to be able to represent Canada!
Team Coach – Jen Kil
Assistant Coach – Julie Waller
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