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 …
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 …
Much like communities all across the province, St. Catharines-Thorold offers a wide range of sports for its Special Olympics Ontario athletes. Here are just a few stories of teams and athletes in some of those sports. Last summer, the St. Catharines Trappers hosted softball provincial qualifiers. It was a scorching hot day, but all the teams stayed hydrated and had …
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 …
Sport Aurora’s 14th Annual Volunteer Recognition Event took place at Wicked Eats on October 27, 2024. 21 local sports organizations celebrated their Volunteers of the Year. Dan Banks and Simone Hubers were recipients of the Volunteer of the Year awards for their volunteer efforts with Special Olympics Ontario – Aurora. Dan’s Statement— “My volunteer experience with Special Olympics is more than …
Special Olympics Ontario is pleased to announce the election of new directors to its Board at the Annual Meeting held on October 29, 2024. These individuals bring a wealth of experience, energy, and passion for Special Olympics Ontario’s mission, and we look forward to their valuable contributions in the coming years. Their leadership and diverse expertise will further empower our …
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 …
Special Olympics Ontario (SOO) was proud to be included in the 2024 SONA Pickleball Championships from October 17-19. Hosted by Special Olympics South Carolina in Hilton Head, this competition brought together athletes from all across North America. Athletes and coaches from SOO-Meaford & Thornbury proudly represented both Ontario and Canada as they competed with athletes in traditional and unified competition …
“Go Beyond”: A Year of Growth, Resilience, and Looking Beyond We’re thrilled to announce the release of Special Olympics Ontario’s 2024 Impact Report! In this year’s Report, Special Olympics Ontario (SOO) celebrates a remarkable year defined by resilience, expansion, and a commitment to inclusivity. The theme, “Go Beyond,” embodies our vision to expand access, redefine boundaries, and set ambitious goals for …
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 …
