Special Olympics Ontario (SOO) was proud to be included in the 2024 SONA Pickleball Championships from October 17-19. Hosted by Special Olympics South Carolina in Hilton Head, this competition brought together athletes from all across North America. Athletes and coaches from SOO-Meaford & Thornbury proudly represented both Ontario and Canada as they competed with athletes in traditional and unified competition for the first time!
Athletes Maia McMullen and Sally Anderson took home the silver medal in Level 3 – Division 2 Traditional play, while Samantha Loucks and Steven Morris also won silver in Level 4 Traditional play. Steven Morris and his Unified Partner Paul Clements finished in 6th during Level 4 – Unified play. This marked the first instance of SOO being represented in Unified play at any SONA competition, which features athletes with and without an intellectual disability playing together, “unified” in competition.
Our athletes were recognized for their accomplishments at the event, including Samantha Loucks who was invited to participate in the Pickleball Pro Clinic alongside local professional players in a showcase of incredible pickleball skills. Steven Morris was named one of the Sportsmanship Award winners for his incredible work ethic and respect for the game on and off the court.
All of this would not have been possible without the support of Meaford & Thornbury coaches Shelley Higgingson, Nancy Clements, and Paul Clements.
Congratulations to everyone for representing SOO with distinction on and off the court!