From June 17-25, Berlin, Germany will welcome 7,000 Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners from over 190 countries to compete in 26 sports. The athletes will be supported by more than 3,000 coaches and 20,000 volunteers. This is the first time that Germany will host the Games!
The Special Olympics World Games is a prestigious international sporting event that celebrates the achievements and abilities of athletes with intellectual disabilities. The games will feature athletes from all around the world, who will compete in a wide range of sports disciplines. These sports include athletics, swimming, basketball, soccer, gymnastics, powerlifting, and many more. Berlin has been chosen as the host city for the 2023 World Games due to its rich history, vibrant culture, and outstanding sporting facilities. The city has a strong commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, making it an ideal location for such an important event.
17 athletes from Ontario to represent Canada:
| Name | Sport | Hometown |
| Annick Léger | Athletics | Mississauga |
| Blair Bastien | Basketball 5v5 | Campbellford |
| Candace Bushie | Women's Soccer | Peterborough |
| Christopher Innes | Swimming | London |
| Curtis Cook | Athletics | Pickering |
| Dana Thompson | Basketball 5v5 | Durham |
| Dashawn Williams | Basketball 5v5 | Milton |
| Franck Koffi | Basketball 5v5 | Toronto |
| Jennifer Allen | Basketball 5v5 | Guelph |
| Josée Seguin | Powerlifting | Chelmsford |
| Kaylee Legault | Basketball 5v5 | Welland |
| Kimana Mar | Rhythmic Gymnastics | Ottawa |
| Kristy Alford | Women's Soccer | Angus |
| Laura Stremble | Bocce | Dundas |
| Marc Richardson | Bowling | Guelph |
| Marley Gayler | Powerlifting | Kitchener |
| Natasha Stasiuk | Golf | Oakville |
7 Coaches from Ontario to represent Canada:
| Name | Sport | Hometown |
| Duane Carson | Powerlifting Mission Staff | Newmarket |
| Elaine Willcock | Rhythmic Gymnastics Coach | Greater Ottawa |
| Evan Krofchick | Swimming Assistant Coach | Toronto |
| Glenn Cundari | Golf Head Coach | North Bay |
| Helen Johnston | Basketball Coach | Huronia |
| James Richardson | Basketball Coach | South Simcoe |
| Renee Stewart | Athletics Coach | Arnprior |
Learn more about the games:
Berlin 2023: The official website of the Berlin 2023 Special Olympics World Games serves as the primary source of information for the event. It provides details about the participating countries, the venues, the competition schedule, and practical information for athletes, families, and supporters planning to attend.
Special Olympics Ontario's World Games Landing Page serves as a central hub of information for our community and supporters to cheer on our local athletes on team Canada! Stay in the know during the games, see what sports are playing when, any photos of our athletes in berlin, and updates on medal alerts!
Special Olympics Team Canada's website offers specific information about Team Canada's participation in the 2023 World Games. It highlights the athletes and coaches representing Canada and their inspiring stories of dedication and perseverance.
TSN is an official broadcasting partner of the World Games. As the anticipation is building as the Special Olympics Ontario Berlin Games kick off with a spectacular Opening Ceremony, TSN is bringing the magic of the event right to your screens through their live streaming service. By visiting the link soontar.io/watch-world-games, fans can catch all the action, emotions, and inspiring moments of the Opening Ceremony and competitions to follow.
The Special Olympics World Games in Berlin promise to be an unforgettable celebration of sports, friendship, and empowerment. It will unite athletes with intellectual disabilities from around the world, inspiring and uplifting individuals while creating lasting memories and friendships!
