Meet Lauren Neissen from Special Olympics Saskatchewan. Lauren’s parents describe her as “a girl filled with energy, compassion and love, who gives her all every single day.” They share that she’s always been very competitive by nature – and if there’s something she can’t do at first, she won’t give up until she has accomplished it. Recognizing this drive in their daughter, Lauren’s parents signed her up for her their local community Special Olympics program. “Special Olympics has provided an inclusive space for Lauren where she has the opportunity to explore many different sports. The support, community and relationships that are built through Special Olympics is something that is very valuable to us as a family. Since our daughter’s involvement, we have had the opportunity to watch Lauren grow and thrive.”

Meet Kynlee Servos from Special Olympics PEI. Kynlee’s journey with Special Olympics was inspired by her older brother, who is also on the Autism Spectrum and an active Special Olympics athlete. “Kynlee was having some difficulties in generic sport programs, and she very much looks up to her older brother as a Special Olympics athlete,” shares her parents. “From the day she signed up, Kynlee has absolutely loved Special Olympics! We can see that she feels more confident in herself. She is more social when she is around other Special Olympics athletes. She feels like she has found a place where she fits in, like she is a part of a team.” A highlight for Kynlee and her family was when she participated in the Special Olympics PEI 2022 Bocce Provincials, where despite a broken leg and reliance on a scooter, she received a bronze medal.

Meet Catrina Pierre from Special Olympics Manitoba. At just 5 years old, she is thriving within her local community’s Special Olympics Active Start and FUNdamentals program. Both Catrina and her family feel like they have found a place of belonging within Special Olympics. With Catrina participating in programs that are designed to help children with intellectual and developmental disabilities to develop basic motor skills and sport skills through fun and positive movement experiences, her family has witnessed remarkable growth. "We are extremely pleased Catrina’s improved physical abilities, her enhanced socialization skills and her increased self-confidence," shares Catrina’s mother. For their entire family, Special Olympics is more than just sport — it's a community that has enriched each of their lives.

Meet Marcus Tamkee from Special Olympics British Columbia. Special Olympics offers specialized programming for children and youth from ages 2 to 12-years-old, and Marcus got involved at the earliest he possibly could. His parents registered him for the Active Start program at 2-years-old and watched him progress through to the FUNdamentals program, where he transitioned from developing his basic movement skills to learning basic sport and physical literacy skills in an atmosphere of fun and meaningful sport and social interaction. Marcus’s parents have watched him thrive through the programming – in no small part due to the wonderful volunteers. “Over the past 12 years with Special Olympics, Marcus has had a consistent influence in his life – his coach, Phoebe Lau. Under her guidance and leadership, Marcus has not only developed physical stamina and motor skills but has also become increasingly confident and willing to try new activities. Marcus has always felt welcomed and included and we’ve seen the confidence he has gained through Special Olympics in other settings, as well.”

Meet Joaquin Smith from Special Olympics Nova Scotia. Joaquin is an energetic 8-year-old, who loves to run and expend his boundless energy. While Joaquin is still too young to join the competitive sport programs with Special Olympics, he has big dreams for when he’s old enough to hit the track. Until then, Joaquin participates in Special Olympics Active Start and FUNdamentals youth programs where he is developing the skills to pursue his athletic endeavors, while making friends and finding a community that supports him in sport and in life. A highlight for Joaquin was getting to participate in his local Special Olympics community’s annual ‘Fun Day’ as part of the last Regional Summer Games. Joaquin got to try new sports and activities, meet more of his peers and even cheer on some of the older athletes that were competing – fueling his own aspirations.

Meet Brooklynn Belcher from Special Olympics Ontario. Though Brooklynn has only been a part of Special Olympics for two years, she describes it as “the most amazing experience”. Brooklynn joined her local Special Olympics swim team at 10-years old and it quickly became a central part of her life. “Her coaches are so positive and encouraging, the team members are all so welcoming, and although everyone is at a different level and train individually, warm up is done as a team and Brooklynn absolutely loves it!” her family shares, “She looks forward to packing her bag every Saturday for Sunday’s meet.” The weekly swim meets proved to be not enough Special Olympics for Brooklynn, who soon joined her local bocce and track and field teams as well. She took home her first two gold medals competing at her first track meet, and her family could not have been prouder. “Special Olympics has taught Brooklynn that practice and hard work pays off to achieve her goals – and most importantly has given her the joy and privilege of meeting new friends. Honestly with our four children, Brooklynn’s experiences with Special Olympics have even surpassed the opportunities that her siblings have received, and for this we are so grateful.”

Meet Colton Neil from Special Olympics Alberta. Colton has William’s Syndrome, and when his parents first signed him up for his local Special Olympics Active Start program at 3-years-old, they shared that “Colton was barely walking and preferred to crawl. He also did not have very much expressive language. He gained a tremendous amount of gross motor, fine motor and verbal skills through structured play in his 4 years in the Special Olympics Active Start Program. He has also learned the fundamental skills needed to play sports like turn taking, waiting, and his favorite, cheering on friends. These skills also prepared him for the world of elementary school.” Now Colton is a 10-year-old Special Olympics athlete who participates in a variety of sports including soccer, basketball and bowling. “Colton does his very best and shows kindness and love for everyone he meets. He has grown so much over the years with support from home, school and community services such as Special Olympics.”

Meet Floyd Athlerton from Special Olympics New Brunswick. His journey with Special Olympics began at 3-years old. “Through special Olympics Floyd has been able to make many friends, be social on a greater level in the community, be active and learn new skills.” Shared Floyd’s parents. “We really enjoy that Floyd has had an opportunity to learn and have fun in an inclusive environment where he is met where he is at with his skills and supported for his needs.” To their great pride, Floyd was the youngest participant to take part in their local Special Olympics bowling program at the age of 4 – loving every minute of the action. Witnessing the impact that Special Olympics has had in their son’s life, Floyd’s parents are now both volunteers themselves, coaching their local community’s FUNdamentals program and inviting many other families with children of all ages and abilities to get involved. “We believe strongly as a family that it is not about whether Floyd can or can’t do something but rather how can we make it happen by breaking down barriers or societal challenges,” they share. “It is important for us to help educate our community around the challenges and successes faced by families with children with disabilities and how small changes can make big impact when it comes to inclusion.”

Meet Kate Cleary from Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador. "Honestly, we can't go anywhere without someone calling out to her," shares Kate’s mom. "She is definitely well known throughout her community, and if you don't know her, she will make sure you don't forget her." Kate’s journey with Special Olympics started in her local FUNdamentals program. Her family watched her thrive in the new community and fearlessly take on any new challenge, on and off the field of play. Not only does Kate love to participate in sport with Special Olympics, she also has a passion for dance. “She feels included and treated like her peers when she’s dancing or playing sports,” shares Kate’s mother. “I’m just so happy she’s found spaces where she can explore her limitless potential.”