Breanna Williams: Skating Through Success!

At 15 years old, Breanna Williams is the only athlete from Windsor-Essex to have qualified in Figure Skating for the 2024 National Winter Games in Calgary. But Breanna’s story starts more than six years before she competed with athletes from across the country earlier this year. Breanna first started skating at four years old, falling in love with the sport …

Hudson Booth: Feeling Fine in Year Nine!

Hudson Booth has been a dedicated Special Olympics athlete for nine years, participating and competing in five-pin bowling, athletics (track and field), basketball, golf, and soccer. Hudson has also proudly represented Team Ontario as a Nordic skier at multiple National Games. One of his favourite Special Olympics memories is skiing at the 2020 Special Olympics National Winter Games in Thunder …

Ezekiel Liu: Experiencing the 2024 National Winter Games in Calgary

Ezekiel’s Essay: I went to Calgary for the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games with Team Ontario athletes from Monday, February 26th to Friday, March 1st, 2024 to compete in Speed Skating. We got to Calgary by travelling on the West Jet airplane #651. We stayed at the athletes’ village, Sheraton Suites Hotel. My roommates were Kai Freeland and Stephen Graham …

Unforgettable Victories: James Walker’s Path to Glory in Special Olympics

Meet an exceptional athlete, James Walker, from the vibrant community of London. James has dedicated an impressive 23 years to his passion for sports and is a true inspiration to those around him.  James’s focus lies in the exhilarating sport of floor hockey. He brings his energy, skill, and dedication to the game, making him an invaluable member of his …

Marley Gayler: Inspiring Hearts and Chasing Dreams in Special Olympics

Get ready to meet an extraordinary athlete, Marley Gayler, hailing from the vibrant community of Kitchener Waterloo. As a dedicated athlete, Marley has been actively involved in Special Olympics for 14 years.  Marley’s passion for sports knows no bounds as she participates in a diverse range of sports. You can find her showcasing her skills in athletics, basketball, golf, Nordic …

Bryan Goodrich: Celebrating 25 Years of Athletic Excellence in Special Olympics

Meet Bryan Goodrich, a dedicated athlete from Caledon who has been involved in Special Olympics for 25 years! Bryan participates in athletics and swimming and enjoys running, shot put, and swimming. To Bryan, Special Olympics means new opportunities and a chance to showcase his athletic abilities without limitations.   One of Bryan’s best memories with Special Olympics was winning first place …

Chasing Dreams: Gael Shindano’s Remarkable Path in Special Olympics

Meet Gael Shindano, a dedicated Special Olympics athlete from Ottawa, Ontario. He has been involved in Special Olympics for 12 years and participates in a variety of sports, including athletics, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and swimming. Gael loves being active and always looks forward to participating in competitions and meeting new people.  For Gael, Special Olympics is more than just sports. …

Yazmine Wilson-Daponte: A Decade of Excellence in Special Olympics Sports

Yazmine Wilson-Daponte has been an athlete with Special Olympics for 10 years, and during that time, she has participated in numerous sports such as Athletics, Basketball, Bocce, Curling, Soccer, and Swimming. She is an accomplished athlete from the Dufferin community in Orangeville.  What Yazmine loves most about Special Olympics is the opportunity to spend time with her friends while participating …

Mike Newstead: A Catalyst for Inclusion and Inspiration

Meet Mike Newstead, a passionate educator and advocate for inclusive education and Special Olympics. With a career spanning from his roots in Amherstview, Ontario, to his current role at Napanee District Secondary School, Mike has been on a transformative journey that goes beyond traditional teaching. His story is one of dedication, resilience, and a commitment to creating opportunities for individuals …

Unleashing Potential: Franck Koffi’s Journey of Sports and Belonging

Meet Franck Koffi, a dedicated athlete from Ontario who has been involved in Special Olympics for 12 years. Franck participates in athletics and soccer, but his passion lies in playing basketball. For Franck, Special Olympics is not just a place where he can play sports, but also a community where he has made lifelong friends who have in turn become …