Prejesh Sayanthan was introduced to Special Olympics through a leadership class at Albert Campbell C.I. in Toronto. After his first time helping and volunteering at the school soccer qualifier in October, he was hooked! Prejesh came to practice every day to work with the athletes, joining at every opportunity. He recruited other friends and started a grade 12 leadership group. This …
2024 Educator of the Year – Michael Newstead (Napanee)
Mike Newstead has been actively involved in coaching teams for Special Olympics events since September 2005, showcasing his passion for sports and advocacy for inclusivity. At Napanee District Secondary School (NDSS), he serves as a Special Olympics events coordinator with the NDSS School to Community Team and as a coach, overseeing the registration and recruitment of Special Olympics athletes and …
2024 School Team of the Year – Bishop Tonnos CSS (Hamilton)
Athletes: Sebastian Carrara, Lucas D’Onofrio, Jack Wiseman, Christian Akey, Mya Mantock, Avery Hedley, Klara Pasalic, Noah Tyler-Smith, Owen DiSabatino. Coaches: Linda Siena, Lori Edwards, Andrea Battaglia. The Bishop Tonnos Titans floor hockey team is made up of athletes who had never been on a sports team before their involvement with Special Olympics, nor had they been away from home overnight. …
2024 Student Athlete of the Year – Lucas D’Onofrio (Hamilton)
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 …
2024 Volunteer of the Year – Carole Robb (Brantford)
Carole Robb is an extremely dedicated volunteer, well respected among the coaches, council, and athletes in Brantford. In addition to attending events and competitions, Carole has driven to Provincial Games just to encourage her local athletes. As a volunteer, her kindness and encouraging ways have supported the council, coaches, and athletes. Carole previously served as Secretary on the Brantford Community …
2024 Rising Star Coach of the Year – Meghan Vaszko (St. Catharines)
Meghan Vaszko has been an assistant coach with the St. Catharines Otters Swim Team since 2021. This season, Meghan created the majority of the practice plans for the team and hopes to become a Head Coach. Meghan has natural coaching abilities, adapts instructions for every level, accepts advice willingly, and helps the athletes work towards their goals. At swim meets, Meghan …
2024 President’s Award – Denita Minoletti (Thunder Bay)
Denita Minoletti has been integral to the phenomenal growth of Special Olympics in Thunder Bay (SOTB) over the past 15 years. She’s been the driving force behind the development of new programs, such as Powerlifting and Bocce, and plays a critical role in recruiting athletes, coaches and volunteers. She has created and fostered partnerships with businesses, service clubs and sport …
2024 Coach of the Year – Ann Scully (Barrie)
Ann Scully has 10 years of experience coaching various sports for Special Olympics, including Cross Country (Nordic) Skiing, Alpine Skiing, Track and Field, and 5-Pin Bowling. Ann is also a member of the Barrie Special Olympics Administrative Council. Earlier this year, Ann travelled to Calgary for the National Games as a member of the Mission Staff for Team Ontario’s Nordic …
2024 Team of the Year – London Blazers (London)
Athletes: Dylan Baughman, Jesse Clifford, Johnny Figg, Chris Freeman, Zach Griffith, Michael Hitchcock, Richard Horner, Kodi Cronk, Chris Lauzon, Kevin MacMullin, Steve Samwell, Scott Tennant, Jacob Thomas, Jamie Walker, Michael Hollis, Jon Van Leeuwen, Ryan McGrath, Eddie Cannom. Coaches: Todd DeSilva, Wendy Scanlan, Brandon Taylor, Suzanne Walker. The London Blazers have continuously participated at the Regional, Invitational and Provincial levels …
2024 Athlete Lifetime Achievement Award – Harvey Arcangeletti (S.S. Marie)
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), …
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