Special Olympics Ontario is thrilled to share the exciting launch of our latest campaign in partnership with Empire and its family of brands, including Sobeys, Safeway, and Foodland. From June 12th to 22nd, these stores are coming together to help us raise $1 MILLION for Special Olympics athletes across Canada. This collaboration is built on inclusion, respect, and the celebration …
Slo-Pitch for Special Olympics is a Grand Slam event for SOO-Barrie!
Over the May long weekend, the ninth annual Slo-Pitch for Special Olympics fundraising tournament took place in Barrie. With 32 teams signing up in addition to other on-site fundraising, the tournament raised $18,000 for the SOO-Barrie program this year. The tally for local programs over the years is now over $100,000! In 2017, Dustin Agar, head coach for the Barrie …
Ryan Kulikowski
Meet Ryan Kulikowski from Welland-Pelham! He’s been a passionate Special Olympics athlete for an incredible 15 years, competing in 5-pin bowling, 10-pin bowling, athletics, floor hockey, and softball. For Ryan, Special Olympics is all about getting out of the house, meeting teammates and friends, and staying active in the sports he loves. Special Olympics means everything to Ryan—without it, he …
Ciara Joseph: West Nipissing’s Athletic Ace!
For Ciara Joseph, an athlete from West Nipissing, Special Olympics is a great place to feel supported as she expands her range of sports. “I get to try javelin and ball throw. I get recognized for my efforts at Special Olympics.” Ciara became involved in Special Olympics in 2020 and focusses on athletics (track and field) and swimming. She says her …
Mardi Gras and More at the North West District Spring Games
The North West District Spring Games is an annual event and yearly highlight for many of the participating athletes and coaches. The competition, hosted in Thunder Bay, brings together the communities of the far northwest in friendly competition and celebration. Five communities (Dryden, Marathon, Red Lake, Terrace Bay & Thunder Bay) and over 300 athletes make the trek, some from …
Community Connect Newsletter – April 2025
https://conta.cc/44guCoy
Jess Horvath: Multi-Sport Maverick!
“When I think of Special Olympics, I think of teamwork and having fun with my friends.” Those are the words of Jess Horvath, an athlete from Brantford. Jess first became involved with Special Olympics eight years ago and has been growing stronger ever since. “My favourite memory is when I deadlifted 405 pounds at a power lifting competition, which is …
An Educated Perspective from Kitchener-Waterloo
This month we’re handing things over to Corina, a teacher from Waterloo Region District School Board, to share her experience with Special Olympics— For about 10 years, I have had the privilege of volunteering with Special Olympics. This journey has filled my life with pure joy, inspiration, and the spirit of true sportsmanship. I began by coaching swimming and later …
2025 World Winter Games in ON!
Team Canada has landed in Turin for the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games! From March 8–15, 2025, the Special Olympics World Winter Games will take place in Turin, Italy, uniting over 1,500 athletes from 102 delegations to compete in 8 sports. We’re thrilled to announce that 23 athletes from Ontario will proudly represent Team Canada at the Games! These athletes will …
David O’Brien: Knocking It Out of the Park!
David O’Brien from Barrie has been an active member of Special Olympics for 37 years and counting, primarily playing in team sports like floor hockey and softball. He also competes in 10-pin bowling, but admits “My best memory is winning gold in floor hockey.” He also wants to share this advice, which is suitable for supporters and teammates alike: “Keep …