Special Olympics Ontario Welcomes New Directors and Honours Departing Members
Special Olympics Ontario is pleased to announce the election of new directors to its Board at the Annual Meeting held on October 29, 2024. These individuals bring a wealth of experience, energy, and passion for Special Olympics Ontario’s mission, and we look forward to their valuable contributions in the coming years. Their leadership and diverse expertise will further empower our …
Special Olympics Ontario’s 2024 Impact Report
“Go Beyond”: A Year of Growth, Resilience, and Looking Beyond We’re thrilled to announce the release of Special Olympics Ontario’s 2024 Impact Report! In this year’s Report, Special Olympics Ontario (SOO) celebrates a remarkable year defined by resilience, expansion, and a commitment to inclusivity. The theme, “Go Beyond,” embodies our vision to expand access, redefine boundaries, and set ambitious goals for …
Kristen Domingues – Disability Employment Awareness Month Spotlight
Meet Kristen Domingues from Caledon! Kristen is a multi-talented athlete, participating in swimming, bowling, soccer, basketball, bocce, athletics, and golf. Over the years, Kristen has made countless friends and stayed active through Special Olympics, competing at events like the 2009 Provincial Games in Windsor, the 2014 National Games in Vancouver for athletics, and the 2020 National Games in Thunder Bay …
Carly Bryden – Disability Employment Awareness Month Spotlight
Meet Carly Bryden from Aurora! Carly is a dedicated athlete, competing in swimming and rhythmic gymnastics, with a background in basketball, soccer, baseball, and bocce. This past spring, Carly participated in the Provincial Spring Games for rhythmic gymnastics, winning a gold, silver, and two bronze medals! She had a blast staying in university dorms with fellow athletes. Carly has also competed …
2024 Unified Partner of the Year – Prejesh Sayanthan (Toronto)
Prejesh Sayanthan was introduced to Special Olympics through a leadership class at Albert Campbell C.I. in Toronto. After his first time helping and volunteering at the school soccer qualifier in October, he was hooked! Prejesh came to practice every day to work with the athletes, joining at every opportunity. He recruited other friends and started a grade 12 leadership group. This …
2024 Educator of the Year – Michael Newstead (Napanee)
Mike Newstead has been actively involved in coaching teams for Special Olympics events since September 2005, showcasing his passion for sports and advocacy for inclusivity. At Napanee District Secondary School (NDSS), he serves as a Special Olympics events coordinator with the NDSS School to Community Team and as a coach, overseeing the registration and recruitment of Special Olympics athletes and …
2024 School Team of the Year – Bishop Tonnos CSS (Hamilton)
Athletes: Sebastian Carrara, Lucas D’Onofrio, Jack Wiseman, Christian Akey, Mya Mantock, Avery Hedley, Klara Pasalic, Noah Tyler-Smith, Owen DiSabatino. Coaches: Linda Siena, Lori Edwards, Andrea Battaglia. The Bishop Tonnos Titans floor hockey team is made up of athletes who had never been on a sports team before their involvement with Special Olympics, nor had they been away from home overnight. …
2024 Student Athlete of the Year – Lucas D’Onofrio (Hamilton)
Lucas D’Onofrio from Bishop Tonnos CSS in Hamilton is an excellent basketball, soccer, hockey and bocce player and acts as a quiet leader for his team. On the field, Lucas hustles, sets up his teammates to score, and never gives up. He reads the soccer field well and never stops trying to out-manoeuvre the players he is matched against. Off the …
2024 Volunteer of the Year – Carole Robb (Brantford)
Carole Robb is an extremely dedicated volunteer, well respected among the coaches, council, and athletes in Brantford. In addition to attending events and competitions, Carole has driven to Provincial Games just to encourage her local athletes. As a volunteer, her kindness and encouraging ways have supported the council, coaches, and athletes. Carole previously served as Secretary on the Brantford Community …