“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 …
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 …
“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 …
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 …
For 35 years, Marlene Mayer has been participating in a wide range of sports with Special Olympics Ontario, garnering praise for her skill in 10-pin bowling and floor hockey in particular. “My best memory is when I was playing goalie in floor hockey and had three shutouts.” In 2022, Marlene’s strong athletic performance allowed her to meet Mayor Nina Bifolchi …
Shawn Horsley, a Special Olympics athlete from Bradford, has been competing in sports such as 5-pin bowling and bocce for over 30 years. Speaking on his behalf, Shawn’s mother Angie said Special Olympics “gives Shawn an outlet to be with others like himself and learn skills.” Shawn is non-verbal, but that doesn’t stop him from enjoying being with people at …
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 …
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 …
Harvey Arcangeletti has been an amazing athlete with Special Olympics since 1975, starting at fifteen years old. He’s participated in many sports over the years including athletics, swimming, floor hockey, softball and bowling. His hard work and dedication have led him to several Provincial and National Games. Harvey has represented Special Olympics Canada at World Games in Baton Rouge (1983), …
