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 …

Introducing the FUNdamentals to Milton Special Olympics

Do you remember your first experience with Special Olympics? For 15 athletes in South Central Ontario, that day was January 21, the day Milton Special Olympics started a new FUNdamentals program for children with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) between the ages of 7 and 12. Led by trained coaches and volunteers, the FUNdamentals program features fun interactive activities designed …

Michael Bradding: Dufferin’s Sporting Sensation!

“It’s a great place to meet new people,” says Michael Bradding, a seven-year Special Olympics athlete from Dufferin, Ontario. After so many years of sport and competition, Michael says his best memories are from bocce and swim meets, but he also participates in basketball and soccer. Michael always looks forward to being with friends and learning new sports, so to …

1000+ Athletes and Coaches Named to District Training Squads for the 2025 Provincial Summer Games!

We are thrilled to announce the district training squads for the upcoming 2025 Special Olympics Ontario Provincial Summer Games, presented by the Wayne Gretzky Foundation! Hosted by the Brantford Police Service in partnership with Six Nations Police and the Ontario Provincial Police, the Games will take place in Brantford in July 2025.  District Representation Across Ontario  Athletes from across the province have been nominated to training squads …

Natasha Stasiuk: Teeing Up Triumphs!

For Five years, Natasha Stasiuk from Hamilton has hit the links with Special Olympics. “I really like the Special Olympics,” Natasha said. “I feel more included and not judged. I feel like I belong.” Natasha isn’t shy about her autism and auditory processing condition, however she prefers to think of these as differences instead of disabilities. “It’s like a superpower …