Special Olympics Canada Site

motionball’s Marathon of Sport is back in B.C.

Marathon of Sport Vancouver
Lots of fun with SOBC athletes and young professionals at the Marathon of Sport Vancouver.

motionball was back in action this September with Marathon of Sport events taking place in Burnaby and Kelowna.

After a difficult year with no in-person events, the easing of pandemic-related restrictions and enhanced safety measures meant that Special Olympics athletes and participants could come together in person again. 

Read on for some more information about motionball’s Marathon of Sport and Special Olympics BC.

What is motionball?

motionball is a national not-for-profit organization that introduces donors, volunteers, and sponsors to the Special Olympics movement through integrated social and sporting events.

The organization empowers young Canadians to take on leadership roles in their communities by helping out as a participant or organizer. 

The organization is building a sustainable funding model for Special Olympics programs, and giving people ways to become a supporter in whatever way is most meaningful to them.

All motionball proceeds are donated to the Special Olympics Canada Foundation, with 70 per cent going directly to the provincial chapter where an event is held.

What does motionball look like from coast to coast in Canada? There are more than 50 annual events in 17 cities and 34 university campuses. Over $14 million has been raised since the first motionball event in 2002.

Fun and camaraderie at the Kelowna Marathon of Sport
Fun and camaraderie at the Kelowna Marathon of Sport.

Marathon of Sport events in B.C.

The Marathon of Sport Vancouver took place on September 11 at Burnaby’s Central Park. 

Teams went head-to-head in activities like cornhole, bocce, ladder ball, soccer relays, volleyball, and fitness challenges. Teams also completed a scavenger hunt that covered five kilometres of trails throughout the park. 

The whole event was billed as a mix of scavenger hunt, escape room, and amazing race – and it did not disappoint.

Find photos from the Vancouver Marathon of Sport.

The Marathon of Sport Kelowna presented by Kelowna Toyota was held at City Park on September 18. Teams competed in a variety of sports and activities, including flag football, street hockey, kickball, and Ultimate. 

The event received great support from the City of Kelowna, and Mayor Colin Basran even declared it "motionball Day in Kelowna."

“We really missed this event last year, the city did as a whole. It was a huge hole in our lives as a result of COVID, and we're just so grateful to be able to pull something like this off again,” Kelowna Marathon of Sport Director Derek Fuhr said to Castanet. “The energy that's created in the day is something that people remember all year long and it's something that motionball needs to keep this charity growing.”

Watch this great video from the Kelowna event, courtesy of RLR Studios.

The Russell Maniacs shows their spirit at the Vancouver event.
The Russell Maniacs team show their spirit at the Vancouver event.

Thank you so much to the organizing committees for the Vancouver and Kelowna Marathon of Sports! These volunteers went above and beyond to make these fun and inclusive events possible.

Community support 

Both motionball events were big successes thanks to the individuals and teams who took part. The event in Vancouver raised more than $67,000 and the Marathon of Sport Kelowna generated more than $200,000.

"It's my favourite day of the year, every year,” says Reza Askari, a member of Team Brandcamp, which participated in the Vancouver event. “It's an incredibly fun day and it's also awesome to be part of such a strong, heartwarming community."

We applaud Marathon of Sport participants for constantly finding new, creative ways to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics. 

This year, Marathon of Sport Kelowna participant Darryl Reuter engaged in a tattoo battle with motionball co-founder and Chairman Paul Etherington. The first to raise $50,000 would have their name tattooed on the other’s body. Check out this BCBusiness story to learn more. 

Getting Involved with motionball

Marathon of Sport Kelowna
Great enthusiasm at the Marathon of Sport Kelowna.

Does the motionball Marathon of Sport sound like something that you would love to get involved in?

There are many ways to get involved, from donating to a Marathon of Sport participant or team to participating or volunteering at events.

Go to www.motionball.com to find out more about motionball events. To learn about motionball volunteer opportunties in B.C., please contact Meg Ishida at mishida@specialolympics.bc.ca

Thanks to Marathon of Sport teams

Kelowna event

  • Acro Media
  • Bananatag
  • Capital Assets
  • CapriCMW
  • Cats The Musical
  • Easy Street
  • Fire Breathing Unicorns
  • Free Agents
  • Kelowna 2021 November Project
  • Perpetual Motionballers
  • RBC
  • Sun City Physiotherapy
  • Sweet Sassy
  • The Valley First Ballievers
  • UBCO motionballU
  • Valeo Health Clinic
  • Venture Commercial
  • Winner! Gagnant!
  • WTF
  • Zack Morris
     

Vancouver event

  • BBD Buzz
  • BBD Buzz 2.0
  • Brandcamp & Friends
  • Brandcamp & Friends 3.0
  • Brandcamp and Friends 2.0
  • Fibreco & Friends
  • Grant Thornton
  • Russell Maniacs
  • Speedy Glass
  • Team Donen
  • Team Heritage
  • Team Motion 2021