We are continuing to use our Individual Google Sheets as our Registration platform for all events. This is an All-In-One system this year that seemingly integrates our payments/invoices. Note, there are instructions and tutorial videos for NEW and RETURNING TEACHERS

Inclusive Youth Leadership Opportunity

Special Olympics North America is proud to present a transformative leadership program for youth ages 14–25, running from October to June. This initiative combines structured skill development with real-world application, empowering young people to lead inclusive change in their schools and communities.

Selected participants will:

• Join live virtual sessions focused on skills like goal setting and project management
• Apply these skills to a youth-led project through phases of ideation, design, execution, and reporting
• Collaborate in a cohort of youth with and without intellectual disabilities (IDD)
• Become part of a community of practice committed to lifelong inclusion

Innovation Meets Action

This program builds on the global Innovation Grants initiative by pairing guided formal learning with the opportunity to lead a funded project promoting inclusion.
Microgrants range from $500–$2,000 to support project execution.

Ready to Lead?

Visit the landing page for full program details, instructions, and the application form.
Applications are reviewed annually—don’t miss your chance to be part of this powerful movement!

It’s back! Schools across Ontario can participate in Virtual Track & Field events through gym class, organized school meets, or by teaming up with other schools.

Participation Guidelines

• Athletes may choose 3–4 events to compete in (excluding relay).
• Athletes must select at least one track event and one field event.
• Athletes cannot compete in both the 50m and 100m.
• Athletes must participate in a minimum of 3 events.
• All athletes compete on behalf of their school.

Results & Submission

• Schools must submit results using the Track & Field spreadsheet included in the registration package.
• Only include athletes who are interested in advancing to Provincials.
• Submission Deadline: April 1st to be considered for the Provincial Championships.

General Info:

• Unified Track & Field follows the same events and result submission process as other school championship sports.
• All participation must follow the Unified format: a 1:1 ratio of Special Olympics athletes to Unified Partners.
• Unified Track is done in pairs (1 SOO athlete + 1 Unified Partner).
• To qualify for school championships, schools must submit at least two pairs (4 participants).

Events

Running Events (Relay Format):

• 50m, 100m, and 200m races are completed in a 1-by-1 relay format.
• Each pair runs together in the same race, passing a baton between them.
• Pairs are grouped by similar ability levels for inclusive competition.

Field Events:

• Shot Put and Long Jump are completed by both members of the pair, one after the other.

Results & Submission

• Running Events: Times from both members of each pair are combined for a final score.
• Field Events: Scores from both members are added together for a final result.
• Submission Deadline: April 1st to be considered for Provincial Championships.

Kick Off the Year with Unified Soccer!

The first sport of the school year is here—Soccer Qualifiers are back and bigger than ever, reaching more regions across Ontario!

Please review the key reminders below to ensure your school is ready to participate:

Event Details

• Check the Events Calendar for dates and locations.
• Watch for calendar invites, reminders, and participant emails ahead of each event.

School Year Registration

• Complete your School Year Intake Form using our Google Sheet registration process.
• Important: Schools must complete this intake to be eligible for basketball and future sports.

Soccer Event Registration

• Register for your specific soccer event under the Soccer tab at least 7 days in advance.

Transportation

• Book your bus or transportation early to avoid last-minute issues.

Athlete Preparation

• Ensure each student has:
  • A uniform
  • Lunch
  • Shin pads (Grants available—see below)
  • Cleats are not allowed 

Payments

• No payments will be collected at the event.
• Visit our Payment Section for full details.

Technical Package

• Review the updated Technical Package for rules and formats:
  • 5v5 games
  • 20-minute running time
  • Kick-ins replace throw-ins
  •  4 athletes + 1 goalie can be on the field 

Introducing the DevelopmentAL Division

The Development Division is a new addition to our qualifiers, designed to support students who are new to the sport. It offers a chance to learn, practice, and play in a welcoming environment, helping create a more inclusive experience for all skill levels.

You can register a group of students under this division directly on your registration form.

Key Details

1. Available Sports: This division is only offered for Soccer and Basketball this year.
2. Venue Capacity Dependent:
• The Development Division will be offered only if space is available at the venue.
• If capacity is full, students registered in this division will be placed in the lowest recreational division.
3. Format:
• Students in the Development Division will not play formal games.
• Instead, they’ll participate in fun activities and skill-building sessions led by volunteers.

The Athlete Showcase Series is Back!

 The Special Olympics Ontario Athlete Showcase Series is launching province-wide, bringing together youth ages 16–30 for exciting basketball and bocce tournaments in true SOO style.

Open to all schools, individual participants, and Unified athletes, these events are more than just competition—they’re a celebration! Expect medals, prizes, food, music, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Families are invited to cheer on their athletes and experience the magic of Unified sport.

Think of it as SOO’s very own Homecoming—don’t miss out!

Introducing the SOO Regional Handball Series!

Special Olympics Ontario is excited to launch a brand-new, free Handball pilot series across each district this June!

Participating schools will receive:

• Medals and recognition
• Training resources and official rules
• 50% transportation cost coverage
• And more surprises to come!

This is a fantastic opportunity to explore a new sport, build school spirit, and engage students in inclusive competition.

Spots are limited—check our Events Calendar for dates and locations, and register your school today!

Hosting Opportunities Available!

Special Olympics Ontario’s Unified Champion Schools program is looking for schools to host upcoming Unified sport and leadership events.

What Do You Need to Host?

To host a successful Unified event, your school should have:

• Facility space – a gymnasium or outdoor field
• A team of student volunteers – to help with setup, scorekeeping, welcoming teams, and more

Ready to host?
Fill out our Host Request Form and help bring the spirit of inclusion to your school and region!

Join the Movement for Inclusion

New Unified Champion Schools 

New to Special Olympics Unified? Please follow these steps outlined in our How to Unify document: 

STEP 1:

1. Review our  Unified 101 document & the UCS Model
2. Complete the Unified Coaching Course
3. (Optional) Watch our Unified Awareness Video
4. (Optional) Join our mentorship program

STEP 2: Complete registration and UCS application. Determine how your school will participate in the three pillars of UCS.

STEP 3: Meet with Special Olympics staff members to ask questions, plan for the school year, and learn more about the program.

STEP 4: Develop your leadership team, organize your students, view our resources and get started!

Returning Unified Schools 

1. Review our Unified Model UCS Model
2. Complete the Unified Coaching Course
3. Complete the (One-Time) UCS application Form: Forms can be found on each school's individual  Google registraiton intake page.

To secure your UCS status and recognition, please ensure that you fill out the yearly report, which is due by April 30th, found on your spreadsheet.

For more information, please see the links below.

We’re excited to relaunch the Unified Leadership Student Council, representing major districts across Ontario. The council includes Unified Partners, SOO athletes, and student leaders passionate about inclusion.

Educator Call to Action

If you know students, athletes, or partners passionate about inclusion and leadership, please share the Expression of Interest Form with them.

• Priority Deadline: September 22nd
• Final Deadline: November 1 (or until capacity is reached)

Help Us Grow the Movement!

Know a school that hasn’t joined the Unified Champion Schools program yet? Let’s change that—and reward your leadership!

Share our Get Started Link with colleagues and schools to help new students get involved. The educator or school that brings in the most new schools by May 1st will have their registration fees waived for the entire school year.

Unified Champion Schools Advisory Councils

In an effort to advise and provide meaningful feedback to Special Olympics Ontario staff, our five UCS Advisory Councils ensure that secondary school programming reflects the needs, voices, and priorities of our key stakeholders—educators, students, school boards, and community leaders. The councils are as follows: 

1. Sustainability and Community Integration Council
2. Youth Empowerment & Sport Development Council 
3. London Community Development & School Championships 
4. School Board Advisory Council 
5. Elementary Advisory Council

If you’re not currently part of any of the councils but are interested in getting involved, please reach out to: jaydenm@specialolympicsontario.com  

Educator Shared Resource Hub

Special Olympics Ontario has created a dedicated space for teachers, educational assistants, and school leaders to share resources, ideas, and best practices that support inclusion and physical activity in schools.

Whether you're looking for lesson plans, leadership activities, sport guides, or creative ways to engage students—this hub is built by educators, for educators.

Grants & Funding Opportunities

Special Olympics Ontario is proud to support schools through a variety of grant programs designed to make hosting and participating in Unified events more accessible than ever.

HOST GRANTS – They're Back!

SOO is offering hosting grants for schools that choose to host unstaffed events (events without SOO staff on-site).

• Funding ranges from $300–$500, depending on event scale
• All new hosts will have their first event staffed
• Note: Not all unstaffed requests will be approved, as SOO is committed to reaching every community

Click Here to Request to Host

TRANSPORTATION GRANTS – New!

SOO will provide transportation support for:

• Schools traveling over 35km to attend an event
• Schools with demonstrated financial need
• Automatic 50% coverage for:
  • Regional Handball
  • Athlete Showcase Series
  • Regional Youth Leadership Conferences

Click Here to Apply

EQUIPMENT GRANTS – New!

Support is available for schools needing sport equipment:

• 50% coverage for shin pads (up to $350)
• FREE starter kits for new schools:
  • 6 floorball sticks
  • 6 whiffle balls

Click Here to Apply

Note: All grants are subject to availability and will be reviewed based on merit. Apply early to secure funding!

Secondary Program Feedback Hub

Your voice matters! Help us shape and improve our Unified Champion Schools elementary programming by sharing your experiences through our quick feedback surveys.

Reminder for New & Returning UCS Schools

To maintain your Unified Champion School status and recognition, all schools must complete their UCS Report by April 30th annually.

Where to Find It:
Your UCS Report is located within your Google registration form.

Resources to Help You Succeed

We’ve provided tools and support to help you complete your report and achieve your UCS goals.
Be sure to review the available resources below to guide your submission and enhance your school’s impact.

OHL Unified Scholarship – The David Branch Leadership Scholarship

Special Olympics Ontario is proud to unveil the David Branch Leadership Scholarship, offering four annual scholarships of $5,000 to outstanding Unified Champion Schools students entering their first year of college or university.

This scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate:

• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Community involvement
• Commitment to inclusion

Eligible applicants include both Special Olympics athletes and Unified Partners.

Honouring a Legacy of Leadership

Named in honour of David Branch, former OHL Commissioner (1979–2024), this scholarship celebrates his 45-year legacy of leadership, vision, and unwavering support for Special Olympics Ontario. Mr. Branch played a pivotal role in shaping junior hockey in Ontario, across Canada, and around the world.

How to Apply

Applications are due annually by July 25.
The inaugural four recipients will be announced this fall.