Lydia Kirupa – Unified partner
Some experiences in life stay with you forever, and representing Team Canada at the 2026 Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup in Paris, France, is one I will never forget. From the lifelong friendships we created and the unforgettable memories we made, to the competition, sightseeing, and cultural experiences, this trip was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Looking back, I can confidently say it was a 10/10 experience.
The excitement began the moment we arrived at the airport. Knowing we were about to represent our country on the world stage made every moment feel special. Even though the flight to Paris was long, it was completely worth it. The flight attendants had even given us a shoutout as we were landing, just wishing us the best of luck. Every mile brought us closer to an adventure that would change our lives.
Once we arrived in Paris, we quickly realized we would be facing more than just tough competition. The summer heat was intense, and several game times had to be adjusted because of the high temperatures. Despite these challenges, our team remained with smiling faces. We showed resilience, perseverance, and determination every time we stepped onto the field and then off again.
Our tournament started on a high note with a 3-1 victory over Hong Kong. It was an exciting way to begin the competition and gave us confidence moving forward. Although we unfortunately fell short in our remaining matches, our spirit never faded. We continued to encourage one another, celebrate each other's efforts, and remind ourselves that representing Canada was about much more than the final score. Off the field, we focused on taking care of ourselves by staying hydrated, eating nutritious meals, and getting enough rest to perform at our best. Just as important as our physical preparation was the support we gave each other. Whether someone needed encouragement after a difficult game or simply a laugh to lift their spirits, our team was always there for one another.
One of our favourite traditions throughout the week was trading pins with athletes from other countries. Every time we walked through the dorms or headed to dinner, we would stop to introduce ourselves, exchange pins, and learn about where everyone was from. Those small interactions quickly turned strangers into familiar faces. Seeing athletes from around the world each day reminded us that although we spoke different languages and came from different cultures, we were all connected through sport, friendship, and inclusion.
Outside of competition, we had the opportunity to explore the beauty of Paris. One of our first stops was Galeries Lafayette, an incredible shopping centre famous for its breathtaking glass dome ceiling. Standing beneath the beautiful architecture was unforgettable, and from the rooftop we enjoyed incredible views of Paris, including the charming cobblestone streets and the Eiffel Tower rising above the city skyline. It was one of those moments that made us stop and truly appreciate where we were.
As the competition continued, we faced both victories and disappointments, but we never lost sight of what truly mattered. Every time we stepped onto the field, we played with integrity, and respect. We were never discouraged by losses because we knew how much we had grown together since our very first practice. We grew as athletes, built stamina, and most importantly grew our friendships with one another. A huge part of that growth came from our incredible coaches Amanda, Jen, and Kaitlin, along with our amazing staff members Johnny and Sofie. Their belief in us never wavered. They constantly reminded us to compete with passion, work together, and enjoy every moment. Even during difficult games, they helped us remember how far we had come, not only as athletes but as teammates and friends.
One of the most unforgettable evenings of the trip was our dinner cruise along the Seine River. The boat was filled with athletes from countries all over the world. Dinner was served on the first level while the top deck transformed into a massive dance party. As we walked from one end of the boat to the other, we experienced different cultures through music, dancing, laughter, and celebration. Teams proudly shared their traditions, and everyone was invited to join in on cultural dances and music. Throughout the evening, all athletes found fun in interviewing each other on the boat, and pretending to vlog, asking questions like, “Why are you happy to be here?” and “How does it feel to represent your country?” while there was chaos and fun in the background of these interviews. At that moment, I took a step back and realized the true purpose of the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup was happening in front of me. It wasn't simply about winning soccer games. It was about creating an inclusive environment where athletes with and without intellectual disabilities compete side by side, demonstrating that teamwork, friendship, and respect have no barriers. Every athlete embodied what it truly means to play Unified and, more importantly, to BE Unified.
The Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup brings together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities from around the world to compete as one team. Paris 2026 marked the third edition of the tournament, following Chicago in 2018 and Detroit in 2022, and it was the first time the event had ever been hosted in Europe. From July 6 to 11, 24 delegations competed across four venues throughout Paris. Team Canada proudly competed alongside nations including Azerbaijan, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, France, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Namibia, Slovakia, Thailand, and the United States. Each Women's Unified team consisted of six Special Olympics athletes and five Unified partners, with seven players on the field at a time. Although our team had only been together for a short period before the tournament, we quickly
formed an incredibly close bond. One of our favourite pre-game traditions was dancing together before every match. It helped us relax, and remind ourselves that while we wanted to compete and win, our character off the field was just as important as our performance and character on it.
When the closing ceremonies arrived, we proudly finished fourth in our division and eighth overall in the women's tournament for Team Canada. While we were proud of our placement, the accomplishment that meant the most was receiving the Fair Play and Integrity Award. We were the only women's team in the tournament to receive this honour, recognizing our sportsmanship, kindness, and unwavering integrity throughout every match. That award represented everything we stood for. We competed with heart, respected every opponent, and never allowed disappointment to define us. As we walked onto the stage to accept the award, athletes, coaches, volunteers, and spectators from around the world stood and applauded us. Receiving that standing ovation was one of the proudest moments of my life because it showed that people recognized not just how we played, but who we were.
Representing Canada meant more than wearing the jersey. It meant showing kindness, determination, and inclusion every single day. Although our tournament eventually came to an end, the friendships we built, the lessons we learned, and the memories we created will stay with us forever. Paris gave us incredible sights, unforgettable experiences, and competitive football, but most importantly, it reminded us that sport has the power to unite people from every corner of the world. I returned home with memories that will last a lifetime, friendships that cross continents, and an even greater appreciation for what it truly means to represent Team Canada. This experience was about much more than football. It was about belonging, believing in one another, and proving that when we play Unified, we build a world where everyone belongs.
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SOO is grateful to all the donors who supported our team. We also want to provide special recognition to the financial support received from the Durham Region Para Sport and Recreation Opportunities fund at Durham Community Foundation, as well as Toyota – Global Special Olympics Unified Sports® Partner.