Individuals with intellectual disabilities and their loved ones are faced with challenges, both big and small, every single day of their lives – challenges most will never encounter.

For 50 years, Special Olympics Canada has been giving its athletes and participants the strength, determination and confidence to accept those challenges in sport – and in life, giving them the courage to stare down any hurdle and respond: Challenge Accepted.

People with intellectual disabilities are done being left behind. We’re ready to show the world the power of inclusion.

Our athletes are up for the challenge.

Are you?

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED

THE VOICES OF CHALLENGE ACCEPTED

Mark Peddle, 31, plays floor hockey and soccer with Special Olympics Newfoundland & Labrador. Find out how he's overcome challenges not only on the field - but off of it.   READ HIS STORY	Matthew Fields is a Special Olympics Ontario alpine skier and golfer. Special Olympics has helped him build the confidence to compete internationally - and debut an epic drum solo on national radio. LISTEN TO HIS SOLO

Connor Bissett is an 18-year-old Special Olympics swimmer from Alberta. Find out how he’s broken down barriers and stereotypes not only by earning gold medals, but also asking a girl to his 2018 prom.   READ HIS STORY	Diagnosed with Williams Syndrome when she was born, Alma was using a walker when she registered for Special Olympics three years ago. Today, the five-year-old can walk, run and skip on her own.   READ HER STORY	It seems like everyone in Halifax, NS knows Patrick Flewelling. Special Olympics not only helped his golf swing, but also his confidence, enabling him to make lasting friendships - and ask a girl to the prom.   READ HIS STORY

WHERE YOU COME IN

For the past 50 years, Special Olympics across the country has been enriching the lives of Canadians with intellectual disabilities through the transformative power of sport, but we can’t do it alone – nor can the 800,000 Canadians with an intellectual disability.

You can help ensure Special Olympics continues transforming lives for another 50 years by taking on any or all of the below challenges:

Challenge No. 1: Refer a friend or family member to a Special Olympics program.

Challenge No. 2: Raise awareness of our mission and shift the focus from disability to ability by sharing #ChallengeAcceptedSOC on social media.

Challenge No. 3: Make a donation to Special Olympics Canada today.