🏀 Team Canada is gearing up for an incredible milestone: the first-ever Special Olympics Unified 3×3 Basketball World Cup, and Ontario is leading the charge!
For the first time in history, athletes with and without intellectual disabilities will come together in San Juan, Puerto Rico to compete as teammates on a global stage, proudly representing their countries. This groundbreaking event will feature 20 men’s teams and 18 women’s teams from 29 countries, showcasing the true power of inclusion through sport.
We couldn’t be prouder of the 10 student-athletes and four coaches from Ontario who are paving the way for change. These inspiring individuals are breaking barriers, redefining what sport can be, and sparking a new era of inclusion. Both teams are made up of students and educators from J. Clarke Richardson and Albert Campbell Collegiate Institute, two schools recognized across Ontario for their leadership in the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools movement.
Let’s get to know these incredible athletes and hear about their basketball journeys and experiences with Special Olympics below!
Mirunan Athiththan
I’m 17 and a Grade 12 student at JCR, hoping to go to college next year for paralegal, law clerk, or behavioral science. I started playing basketball when I was young at school and at home in my driveway. Now, I ball regularly and participate in SO at Richardson and in the intramurals program. Last year, I won Richardson's foul shot competition in the Senior Boys' division! I like to work out, play basketball, watch movies and TV, talk to people, and eat spaghetti and meatballs. I’ve really enjoyed playing Unified Basketball. I like that it’s fun, a team game, and I get to know my teammates. I also like traveling to different places and exploring, like last year when Richardson went to Ottawa for the Provincials (where my team placed 2nd overall). I’m excited for Puerto Rico, but it won’t be my first time on a plane. I’ve traveled to Sri Lanka four times before with my family, and that’s also where I was born.
Zach Drury
I started playing basketball in Grade 8, where I learned some skills playing with my friends at school. Then I started playing basketball for the Special Olympics with the Durham Heat, Phoenix, and Flames, where I leveled up my game and began competing at the highest level of GDSO. I also compete in SO basketball through the schools program. I compete on the TFCU team and love all sports in general. My favourites are ice hockey, soccer, boxing, football, and basketball. I love sports because I can hang out with my friends and have fun. I am looking forward to going to Puerto Rico and representing Canada, and my personal goal is to score as many baskets as I can to help my team. My claim to fame is that I can make a full court shot, but since the 3×3 World Cup is half court, I won’t be able to show off this shot—but I might be able to show the team at the OVO Training Facility.
Ahmed Hassan
I'm a Grade 12 student at Albert Campbell C.I. I really love being involved with Special Olympics because I get to make new friends ,learn more teamwork skills and developed basketball skills. It's the best because its my favourite Sport !!
Gabe McFetters
My name is Gabe McFetters. My passion for basketball started when I was little and used to watch my dad coach his school team from the bleachers. I have been playing basketball at the school, rep and prep levels since I was 8 years old. I began my journey with Special Olympics as a unified athlete when I was in grade 11. During my time with Special Olympics, our basketball team had the opportunity to attend provincials where we won the silver medal two years running. In my final year of high school, I received our school's Unified Partner Award for my role as a unified athlete with our Special Olympics Basketball Team and I did a cooperative education placement with an inclusive physical education class. I am super excited to continue my role as a unified athlete at the Special Olympics Unified 3 x 3 Basketball World Cup in Puerto Rico.
Pratheep Sayanthan
I’m Pratheep Sayanthan, a Grade 12 student from Albert Campbell C.I. in Scarborough. I started playing basketball in Grade 7 and was introduced to Special Olympics in Grade 11. I’m part of the leadership council for Special Olympics Ontario and had the amazing opportunity to participate in the Special Olympics Provincial Championships last year in Ottawa for basketball.
Team Coach – Amanda Morra
Assistant Coach – Mike McFetters
📣 Want to support our athletes? Click the buttons below to help them fundraise for their journey!