Stories

Sharing the joy of sport

Special Olympics has received many incredible stories from people whose lives have been changed and enriched through sport, friendship, fun and mentorship. Some of those people have been kind enough to share their stories with you.

Visit our photo and video galleries featuring our athletes, coaches, and volunteers.

This Special Olympics BC coach left a 30-year career to work fulltime with individuals with an intellectual disability

After 30 years as a certified dental assistant, British Columbia’s Misty Pagliaro took “the big leap” and changed her career entirely, so she could have a greater impact on those with an intellectual disability.

Meet Special Olympics Ontario – Kingston coach and motionballer, Chris Szymus

Special Olympics Ontario – Kingston coach and motionballer Chris Szymus started volunteering for the movement while he was attending Queen’s University – but wishes he got involved sooner. Growing up in Mississauga, Chris witnessed firsthand the impact Special Olympics had on his older brother Greg, who has autism spectrum disorder. He participates in Special Olympics five-pin bowling, softball and basketball.

These Nova Scotia sisters volunteer their Friday nights for young Special Olympics athletes – and wouldn’t have it any other way

Nova Scotia’s MacNeil sisters have had the ideal Friday night since they were teenagers: coaching Special Olympics FUNdamentals. Morgan, 23 and Abbie, 25, have volunteered with the Enfield program for children and youth with an intellectual disability for the past seven years. In 2018, they officially took over as Program Leaders.

Curious about Special Olympics? Register for Marathon of Sport, says Calgary coach and motionballer Tracy Le

When Special Olympics Alberta – Calgary coach Tracy Le wants to get someone involved in the movement, she invites them to motionball Marathon of Sport.

Manitoba volunteer coach changed her entire career path after involvement with Special Olympics

Reagan has been a volunteer with Special Olympics Manitoba since 2013 and is the Head Coach of Interlake Athletics. Aside from her coaching role, her commitment to building up and increasing awareness of Special Olympics in the Manitoba Interlake Region is what sets her apart.

Join Special Olympics across Canada as we celebrate National Coaches Week

Please join us for National Coaches Week as we say thank you by sharing stories from some of these amazing coaches. To kick it off: A heartfelt message from Special Olympics athletes! #ThanksCoach

Special Olympics Swift Current coach Kent Yuzik has learned dance moves – and so much more from his team

Kent started volunteering for Special Olympics Swift Current in 2015 as an assistant coach for floor hockey. He then became co-head coach for both floor hockey and softball. He’s also been a member of his Special Olympics Community Board since 2016.

Special Olympics athlete Tess Trojan swings a golf club

Meet Champions of Inclusion: Golf Canada and the PGA of Canada

National Sport Organization Golf Canada along with the Professional Golfers’ Association of Canada are true Champions of Inclusion, creating countless opportunities for Special Olympics athletes and coaches across the country.

A group of people pose for a photo at a work party.

Special Olympics athlete finally finds acceptance and inclusion at Spirit of Newfoundland Productions

When Special Olympics Newfoundland & Labrador athlete Leah McDonald saw the call for Champions of Inclusion nominations, she immediately thought of her boss at Spirit of Newfoundland Productions.

Kyla and a Special Olympics athlete hug at an event

From teaching special education to volunteering for motionball, Manitoba’s Kyla Anderson is known for always Choosing To Include

Manitoba’s Kyla Anderson, a special education teacher and motionball Winnipeg committee member, is a true role model when it comes to creating inclusive communities.

This Special Olympics BC coach left a 30-year career to work fulltime with individuals with an intellectual disability

After 30 years as a certified dental assistant, British Columbia’s Misty Pagliaro took “the big leap” and changed her career entirely, so she could have a greater impact on those with an intellectual disability.

Meet Special Olympics Ontario – Kingston coach and motionballer, Chris Szymus

Special Olympics Ontario – Kingston coach and motionballer Chris Szymus started volunteering for the movement while he was attending Queen’s University – but wishes he got involved sooner. Growing up in Mississauga, Chris witnessed firsthand the impact Special Olympics had on his older brother Greg, who has autism spectrum disorder. He participates in Special Olympics five-pin bowling, softball and basketball.

These Nova Scotia sisters volunteer their Friday nights for young Special Olympics athletes – and wouldn’t have it any other way

Nova Scotia’s MacNeil sisters have had the ideal Friday night since they were teenagers: coaching Special Olympics FUNdamentals. Morgan, 23 and Abbie, 25, have volunteered with the Enfield program for children and youth with an intellectual disability for the past seven years. In 2018, they officially took over as Program Leaders.

Curious about Special Olympics? Register for Marathon of Sport, says Calgary coach and motionballer Tracy Le

When Special Olympics Alberta – Calgary coach Tracy Le wants to get someone involved in the movement, she invites them to motionball Marathon of Sport.

Manitoba volunteer coach changed her entire career path after involvement with Special Olympics

Reagan has been a volunteer with Special Olympics Manitoba since 2013 and is the Head Coach of Interlake Athletics. Aside from her coaching role, her commitment to building up and increasing awareness of Special Olympics in the Manitoba Interlake Region is what sets her apart.

Join Special Olympics across Canada as we celebrate National Coaches Week

Please join us for National Coaches Week as we say thank you by sharing stories from some of these amazing coaches. To kick it off: A heartfelt message from Special Olympics athletes! #ThanksCoach

Special Olympics Swift Current coach Kent Yuzik has learned dance moves – and so much more from his team

Kent started volunteering for Special Olympics Swift Current in 2015 as an assistant coach for floor hockey. He then became co-head coach for both floor hockey and softball. He’s also been a member of his Special Olympics Community Board since 2016.

Special Olympics athlete Tess Trojan swings a golf club

Meet Champions of Inclusion: Golf Canada and the PGA of Canada

National Sport Organization Golf Canada along with the Professional Golfers’ Association of Canada are true Champions of Inclusion, creating countless opportunities for Special Olympics athletes and coaches across the country.

A group of people pose for a photo at a work party.

Special Olympics athlete finally finds acceptance and inclusion at Spirit of Newfoundland Productions

When Special Olympics Newfoundland & Labrador athlete Leah McDonald saw the call for Champions of Inclusion nominations, she immediately thought of her boss at Spirit of Newfoundland Productions.

Kyla and a Special Olympics athlete hug at an event

From teaching special education to volunteering for motionball, Manitoba’s Kyla Anderson is known for always Choosing To Include

Manitoba’s Kyla Anderson, a special education teacher and motionball Winnipeg committee member, is a true role model when it comes to creating inclusive communities.