The Special Olympics community lost a true founding figure on May 16, 2026. Dr. Frank Hayden passed away at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy that has transformed countless lives. We are honouring his memory, and that of his late wife Marion, with a public Celebration of Life, and we warmly invite anyone who was touched by his …
Creating More Inclusive Schools Across Ontario
Supported by the Government of Ontario More than 1,100 athletes, unified partners and educators from over 90 schools came together at the 2026 Special Olympics Ontario School Championships in London. For three days, students from across Ontario competed alongside their peers, built meaningful friendships and experienced the power of belonging. But School Championships is about much more than competition. Inspired by the legacy of Special Olympics movement founder Dr. …
Beyond the Field: How Sobeys Empowers Special Olympics Athletes
We are excited to launch our latest fundraising campaign with Empire Company Limited and its trusted brands like Sobeys, Safeway, and Foodland. From June 11 to 21, 2026, Empire Company Limited will match donations made in-store to a maximum of $500,000. This means your $2 donation has the power of $4, so let’s double our impact together! This powerful partnership is rooted …
Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run Raises Historic $3.2 Million for Special Olympics Athletes
The Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) has reached a historic milestone, raising a record-breaking $3.2 million in support of Special Olympics Ontario athletes during the 2025–26 fiscal year. The achievement represents a $1 million increase over the previous year’s fundraising total and marks the most successful fundraising year in Ontario LETR history. As the official charity of choice of the Ontario …
More Than 1,000 Athletes to Gather in London for the 2026 Special Olympics Ontario School Championships
London, On – May 21, 2026— From May 26 to May 28, more than 1,000 high school-aged athletes with and without intellectual disabilities from across the province will gather at Western University for the 2026 Special Olympics Ontario School Championships, hosted by the London Police Service. Athletes earned their place at the championships through regional qualifying events and will compete in athletics, …
The Legacy of Floor Hockey in Special Olympics Ontario
Earlier this month in Newmarket, Special Olympics Ontario communities came together to celebrate floor hockey, honouring the sport’s rich history, the athletes who have competed with pride, and the leaders and volunteers whose vision helped shape its success. The celebration was both a reunion and a reflection: a chance to recognize how floor hockey has influenced generations of athletes and played a defining role …
Making Waves for Inclusion: The 2026 Polar Plunge Raises $1.2 Million
It takes a specific kind of courage to dive into freezing waters in the middle of an Ontario winter. But this year, communities across the province proved that their warmth and generosity easily outmatch the chill. The 2026 Polar Plunge season was nothing short of historic, rallying thousands of people to get #FreezinForAReason and shattering expectations. The incredible impact of …
Ontario Team Representing North America at the 2026 Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup in Paris
2026 Special Olympics Ontario is proud to announce that it has been selected to represent North America at the upcoming 2026 Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup to be hosted in Paris, France this July. Special Olympics Ontario’s Unified World Cup Team features an inspiring group of youth athletes who will represent their schools, communities, province, and Canada on the international …
Unified 3×3 Basketball World Cup – San Juan 2025 – Men’s Team Canada
🏀 Team Canada is gearing up for an incredible milestone: the first-ever Special Olympics Unified 3×3 Basketball World Cup, and Ontario is leading the charge! For the first time in history, athletes with and without intellectual disabilities will come together in San Juan, Puerto Rico to compete as teammates on a global stage, proudly representing their countries. This groundbreaking event …
Unified 3×3 Basketball World Cup – San Juan 2025 – Women’s Team Canada
🏀 Team Canada is gearing up for an incredible milestone: the first-ever Special Olympics Unified 3×3 Basketball World Cup, and Ontario is leading the charge! For the first time in history, athletes with and without intellectual disabilities will come together in San Juan, Puerto Rico to compete as teammates on a global stage, proudly representing their countries. This groundbreaking event …