“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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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. …
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 …
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 …
Meghan Vaszko has been an assistant coach with the St. Catharines Otters Swim Team since 2021. This season, Meghan created the majority of the practice plans for the team and hopes to become a Head Coach. Meghan has natural coaching abilities, adapts instructions for every level, accepts advice willingly, and helps the athletes work towards their goals. At swim meets, Meghan …
Denita Minoletti has been integral to the phenomenal growth of Special Olympics in Thunder Bay (SOTB) over the past 15 years. She’s been the driving force behind the development of new programs, such as Powerlifting and Bocce, and plays a critical role in recruiting athletes, coaches and volunteers. She has created and fostered partnerships with businesses, service clubs and sport …
