About the Joy of Sport Gala

Formerly known as the Sports Celebrities Festival, the Joy of Sport Gala presented by Wheaton Precious Metals has become known for its powerful demonstration of inclusion and respect for athletes with intellectual disabilities, and its far-reaching impact, having raised more than $11.5 million over its 27-year history.  

We know that sport can be pure joy – the kind that electrifies a stadium, fuels a comeback, and brings us together.  

Special Olympics athletes epitomize this spirit. They remind us why we love sports – why we cheer, why we play. And they remind us that sport matters – bringing us together and lifting us up.  

In the Joy of Sport Gala, we come together for a fun and memorable evening to celebrate that unstoppable spirit – the athletes who inspire us, the moments that move us, and the connections that change lives and strengthen communities.  

This elegant, inspiring gala will bring together B.C. sport and business leaders with Special Olympics BC athletes on October 22 at Vancouver’s Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel to create courage, confidence, and community through the power and joy of sport. 

The gala has historically been attended and supported by prominent B.C. sport organizations and associations like the Vancouver Canucks, Vancouver Canucks Alumni, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, BC Lions, and many more. Special Olympics BC is so grateful for the champions of inclusion within the B.C. sport community!

27 years of changing lives

Too often, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are left on the sidelines, resulting in painful impacts on their lives, health, and communities. 

The Joy of Sport Gala changes lives and builds inclusion by helping Special Olympics BC provide year-round sport, youth, and health programs and competitive experiences, for athletes with intellectual disabilities at low or no cost to participants and families.