Blue Mountain ski resort, just outside Collingwood, hosted an exciting fundraising event from February 22-23, 2025 – 24h BLUE MTN. Thirty-three teams of skiers and snowboarders had 24 hours to get as many laps as possible on the Smart Alec ski run. These teams competed for most laps and most money raised for Special Olympics Ontario and the Blue Mountain …
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 …
“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 …
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 …
