Athletes of the Year

Presented annually to two of Canada’s most outstanding athletes.

Michael Budden

Special Olympics Newfoundland & Labrador

For the past 7 years, Special Olympics athlete Michael Budden has proudly represented his community of Stephenville, Newfoundland. First getting involved as a runner through his high school’s Special Olympics program, Michael continued to excel in athletics, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, swimming, and curling. His dedication led to national and international success, most recently bringing home a gold medal in shot put from the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin this past summer.

Samantha Walsh

Special Olympics Newfoundland & Labrador

With nine years of experience under her belt, Samantha Walsh has left her mark in various sports, including snowshoeing, curling, swimming, bowling and athletics. She’s stood atop the podium at local, provincial, national and international competition. Her crowning achievement came at the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, where she clinched a bronze medal in the standing long jump. Samantha is known for her calm and gentle demeanor and giving nature, and is loved and appreciated by her fellow athletes, volunteers and coaches alike.

Coaches of the Year

Presented annually to two of Canada's most outstanding coaches.

Gale Jones

Special Olympics British Columbia

Gale Jones serves as both the head coach of multiple sports as well as the local program coordinator for Special Olympics in her hometown of Smithers, British Columbia. Her enthusiasm and dedication are highly regarded by athletes, their families, caregivers, coaches and volunteers alike. She always takes the time to get to know each of the athletes, understand their lives and connect with them through both their joys and struggles to help them reach their full potential. Gale’s genuine care for each athlete has inspired others within her community to get involved in the movement.

Mark Heartt

Special Olympics Alberta

For the past 7 years, Special Olympics athlete Michael Budden has proudly represented his community of Stephenville, Newfoundland. First getting involved as a runner through his high school’s Special Olympics program, Michael continued to excel in athletics, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, swimming, and curling. His dedication led to national and international success, most recently bringing home a gold medal in shot put from the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin this past summer.

Team of the Year

Presented annually to Canada's most outstanding sports team.

Razorbacks

Special Olympics Manitoba

The Manitoba Razorbacks share an unstoppable passion for basketball that resonates through their every play. The team has been competing for nearly 30 years – with 2 original team members and many new welcomed throughout the years. As a team, they provide opportunity for every athlete, at every ability level to contribute, to learn and to improve their skills. Their skilled and dedicated coaches are exceptional at helping each athlete achieve their goals. Off the court, the Razorbacks actively support Special Olympics, serving as ambassadors in fundraisers and events to help spread awareness for the movement.

Dr. Frank Hayden
Lifetime Achievement Award

Named after Canada’s Dr. Frank Hayden, whose research sparked the Special Olympics movement 50 years ago, this award is presented to an athlete who has best exemplified the spirit, philosophy and goals of the Special Olympics movement over the course of their career.

Darren Boryskavich

Special Olympics Manitoba

Darren Boryskavich first joined his local Special Olympics program in 1985. As a high-performance athlete with an impressive record of 66 medals, including 2 bronze medals from Special Olympics World Games, Darren's dedication to his craft is unwavering. Even despite a setback during the 2023 Provincial Winter Games due to an injury, Darren's spirit remained unbroken as he participated in events by cheering on teammates. Darren is not only a hometown hero; he is a testament to the spirit and goals of inclusive sport, leaving behind a pathway of inspiration for others to follow their dreams.

Rising Star
Coach of the Year

Presented annually to one of Canada's most outstanding coaches, who have been volunteering with the organization for five years or less.

Oliver Storseth

Special Olympics Nova Scotia

Oliver Storseth's Special Olympics journey started in his high school’s Unified Sports basketball program, After graduating high school, he coached his local Special Olympics soccer program, ultimately leading his team to Provincial Games. While attending St. Francis Xavier University, Oliver spear-headed the "Unified at X" program, uniting student athletes and Special Olympics athletes across a variety of sports. Oliver secured facilities, recruited volunteers, rallied support, and led the program to resounding success in its first few years. Oliver's journey with Special Olympics may just be beginning, and there's no doubt that this star will continue to rise.

Athlete Community
Excellence Award

This annual award is given to an athlete who has made a significant contribution to the Special Olympics movement locally, provincially, and/or nationally, and has best exemplified the spirit, philosophy and goals of Special Olympics Canada.

Lindsay Markwart

Special Olympics Saskatchewan

In her 21 years as a Special Olympics athlete, Lindsay Markwart has proven herself to be a multi-talented athlete in bowling, bocce and athletics. Earlier this year, Lindsay took home a bronze medal from Provincial Games as part of the Lakeland Bowling Team. Lindsay not only exhibits the best qualities looked for in a Special Olympics athlete, but she is also a great ambassador for the movement. She is the first to welcome new members and is actively involved in community events and fundraisers where she is well-known for raising awareness by sharing her story.

Frank Selke Jr.
Fundraising Volunteer of the Year Award

Named after the late Frank Selke Jr., Hockey Night in Canada personality and one of Special Olympics Canada’s first celebrity ambassadors, this annual award is presented to a fundraising volunteer(s) who’s made significant contribution to the movement locally, provincially, and/or nationally, and has best exemplified the spirit, philosophy and goals of Special Olympics Canada.

Peter Wilk

Special Olympics Manitoba

Peter Wilk has been a committee member of the province’s largest and longest-standing fundraising event, the Winnipeg Wine Festival, since it’s inception. Peter not only plays a key role in raising significant funds for Special Olympics Manitoba, but has also formed meaningful connections with athletes, staff, volunteers, and families, leaving a lasting impact on the organization. He’s served two terms on the volunteer Board of Directors and continues to generously volunteer his time at various sporting events. Peter's dedication and advocacy for Special Olympics are commendable, making him an invaluable asset to the movement.

Harry "Red" Foster Award

Named after the late Harry “Red” Foster, the sports broadcaster and advertising mogul who founded Special Olympics in Canada, this award is presented to an individual, volunteer or group who best exemplifies the spirit, philosophy and goals of the Special Olympics movement. Like Mr. Foster, the nominee will have contributed significantly to the development, awareness and success of Special Olympics in Canada.

Mark Tewksbury

Special Olympics Canada

Mark Tewksbury is a celebrated Canadian Olympic Champion and a pioneering advocate for inclusivity and ethics in sports. His remarkable swimming career includes Olympic gold, silver and bronze medals, along with 7 world records. Mark has always understood how important sport can be as a vehicle for inclusion. He credits witnessing his first Special Olympics event for inspiring a change in his perspective that would lead him once again to the top of the podium at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. He then went on to stand alongside Special Olympics athletes on a global stage not once, but twice, as Honorary Coach of Special Olympics Team Canada. Mark served more than 10 years on the Special Olympics Canada Board of Directors, including a two-year term as Chair from 2018-20, leading the 50th anniversary celebration of Special Olympics in Canada. His vision also led to the founding of the Champions Network in 2013, uniting iconic Canadian media and sport celebrities as ambassadors to amplify the cause. Today there are upwards of 70 Champions in the Network - supercharging awareness for the movement and supporting Special Olympics athletes from coast to coast to coast.

Jim Thompson Award

Named after the late Jim Thompson, former TSN President and Special Olympics champion, this annual award is given to an operational volunteer who has made a significant contribution to the Special Olympics movement locally, provincially, and/or nationally, and has best exemplified the spirit, philosophy and goals of Special Olympics Canada.

Janice Howe

Special Olympics Manitoba

Janice Howe has worn many hats during her dedicated involvement with Special Olympics Manitoba. She is the Head Coach of the competitive athletics programs, officiates at various track events, helps coordinate fundraisers and events, Chairs the Winnipeg Regional Leadership Team and most recently served as the Chef de Mission for the 2023 Provincial Winter Games. These roles – all voluntary – showcase her unwavering dedication. Janice has remained a pillar of support throughout her 14 years volunteering and cares deeply, always encouraging athletes to believe in themselves and explore new horizons.

Rob Plunkett
Law Enforcement Torch Run Award

Named after the late Detective Constable Robert Plunkett, a 22-year veteran of York Regional Police who was a leader in both the community and Special Olympics, this award is presented to a Law Enforcement Torch Run representative who best exemplifies the spirit, philosophy, dedication and goals of the Law Enforcement Torch Run and the Special Olympics movement.

Mike McDonell

Special Olympics Ontario

Mike McDonell has been a dedicated volunteer with over 35 years of unwavering commitment to the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. Throughout, the years Mike has actively engaged with local Special Olympics programs across Ontario, becoming a mentor and friend to countless athletes. He has helped raise more than $1M for Special Olympics and has played a pivotal role in the development of initiatives like the Guardians Run and Guardian Combined Games. Mike’s generosity and unmatched commitment make him a true champion for LETR and the Special Olympics movement.

The 2022 Special Olympics Canada Awards Night, co-hosted by TSN's Vic Rauter and Special Olympics athlete, JoJo Landry!

The 2021 Special Olympics Canada Awards Night, co-hosted by TSN's Vic Rauter and Special Olympics athlete, Sébastian Hamel-Bordeau!