The Global Day of Inclusion celebrates Special Olympics' 50th Anniversary and marks the beginning of a new era - an era of radical inclusion.

On July 21 Special Olympics will return to Soldier Field in Chicago, where it was born, to celebrate the Global Day of Inclusion.

Special Olympics and over five million of our athletes are leading the charge for full inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities through the Inclusion Revolution, a movement that asks everyone to pledge to #ChooseToInclude.

One of the athlete leaders who is inspiring global inclusion is Airdrie’s own, Allie Price.

Allie Price is a 24-year-old golfer who will make her Nationals debut at the 2018 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

2017 was a spectacular year for Price who competed at the Special Olympics Alberta Summer Games in Medicine Hat, walking away with the gold medal in the F1 division.

Price was also selected to golf at the Special Olympics North America Golf Championship in Seattle and compete against golfers from across the continent. She again had a strong performance to capture second place (level 4 – division 11).

From the tee box to the green, Price’s golf journey began seven years ago through Special Olympics.

“I love golf because I am really great at golf and I like the individual sport,” said Price. “I have fun playing with my mom and dad and others in my family.”

“Little Brooke,” as some family and friends refer to her, is a fitting nickname for Price whose idol is Brooke Henderson. Price is inspired by Henderson stating that she is a great golfer, role model, and fellow Canadian.

Her first selection to Team Alberta is important to Price who is excited to compete and support her teammates as they shoot for gold.

“Team Alberta means a lot to me because I am excited about being a part of the team and supporting all of the athletes,” said Price. “I am practicing with my other golf teammates, and making new friends and also practicing in the winter with my caddie daddy.”

While Price has not competed at the National level, she brings Provincial and International experience to the table, along with a busy practice schedule and additional training.

“I stay fit by working out two times a week in CrossFit,” said Price. “I am practicing golf indoors over the winter with my caddie/coach and other golfers from [the] Calgary Special Olympics team.”

Price’s busy training schedule mirrors her personal life where she works two days a week at Sunterra – WestJet Campus and volunteers at Montessori Preschool three days a week.

In her down time Price likes to dance, hang out with friends and family, as well as watch her favourite TV shows.

Price is an avid Calgary sports fan who enjoys watching the Flames and the Stampeders including supporting her favourite player, Alex Singleton.

She is a motivated athlete and individual who has her sights set on a strong performance at nationals and she does not plan to stop there.

“I want to have fun and compete well in golf at Nationals and hoping and dreaming to go to Worlds,” said Price. “That would be amazing!"

Over the past nine years Price has been involved with Special Olympics and has competed in basketball, curling, and soccer.

She advocated that her involvement in Special Olympics has had a positive impact on her and continues to be an important part of her daily life.

“I like being a part of Special Olympics because it is like being a part of a bigger family,” said Price. “They support me, and I support them,” adding that “I like how my coaches, caddies, athletes and volunteers all give me positive feedback and make me feel happy. [It] makes me feel important, and meaningful.”

Price was awarded the 2017 Jack Gregory Award (Special Olympics Athlete of the Year) from the Calgary Booster Club. She is known for her leadership and was selected as the athlete representative and face of the Staples “Give a Toonie. Share a Dream” campaign last year.

The future of Special Olympics is in good hands under athlete leaders like Price, but 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.