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.

Saskatoon’s Brenda Baker Chooses To Include with integrated youth choir Kids of Note

Saskatoon’s Brenda Baker, an award-winning singer and former children’s entertainer, wanted to pass on her love of music to her daughter Tori, who had Down syndrome. When she couldn’t find a local choir that accommodates the needs of children with an intellectual disability, she decided to start her own.

Meet the boss who Chooses To Include this Special Olympics Ontario athlete – and her busy training schedule

Balancing a work schedule, Special Olympics practices and competitions can be tough for Peterborough’s Crystal Cochrane, but her boss at Wendy’s in Peterborough always makes it work.

From hiring Special Olympics athletes to supporting programs and events, Tim Hortons is a true Champion of Inclusion

There are countless Tim Hortons restaurants across Canada that include Special Olympics athletes and Canadians with an intellectual disability as part of their team. A National Partner of Special Olympics Canada since 2015, Tim Hortons is a true Champion of Inclusion.

From using a walker to running: How a community program helps this five-year-old reach her full potential

Every Thursday morning five-year-old Alma Loken jumps out of bed filled with excitement. “I’m awake! It’s Special Olympics day!” she exclaims. Since...

Jackie Barrett performs a squat at World Games

Record-breaking Powerlifter Jackie Barrett first-ever Special Olympics athlete inducted in Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame

The now retired Corner Brook athlete, also known as “the Newfoundland Moose,” has broken not only Special Olympics records throughout his 28-year career, but also those of his able-bodied counterparts.

Brita holds ribbon won through Special Olympics.

After debilitating car crash, this Special Olympics athlete defies odds and becomes gold medalist

At just nine-weeks-old, Manitoba’s Brita Hall was in a car crash that resulted in the loss of the cognitive function of her brain. Doctors said she...

The Demeulenaere pose for a photo.

This Prince Edward Island Family is paving the way for a more inclusive Canada

In 2012, Prince Edward Island ’s Tracey and Mike Demeulenaere were heartbroken to learn their unborn daughter, Kelsey, would have Down syndrome...

Briggs, a labrador, pokes his nose towards the camera lens

Meet Special Olympics BC’s Top Dog – and his committed owner, Const. Jeremy Pearce

Four-year-old Labrador Retriever Briggs Pearce stole the show at the Vancouver Polar Plunge for Special Olympics BC earlier this year. Participating in the province’s first-ever Puppy Plunge on March 2, the charitable canine earned the sought-after title of “Top Puppy Plunger.”

Sgt. Joe Tataryn in his police uniform as Special Olympics athletes give him a group hug.

LETR an “obvious” fit for Saskatoon Police Service Sgt. Joe Tataryn

Saskatoon Police Service’s Sergeant Joe Tataryn got involved with the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) within his first month of becoming a police officer in 1998. While there are a number of charities supported by police across the country, LETR hit close to home.

Mark Gugan, in his police uniform, poses for a photo with an athlete holding a Canadian flag.

After 30 years with the LETR, this London City Police Officer still sees the impact he makes every day

After 32-years as a police officer, Sgt. Mark McGugan’s career highlight is the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR). The London City Police Officer – and Provincial Director for LETR in Ontario – has been involved with the public awareness and grassroots fundraising organization for Special Olympics for almost as long as he’s been policing.

Saskatoon’s Brenda Baker Chooses To Include with integrated youth choir Kids of Note

Saskatoon’s Brenda Baker, an award-winning singer and former children’s entertainer, wanted to pass on her love of music to her daughter Tori, who had Down syndrome. When she couldn’t find a local choir that accommodates the needs of children with an intellectual disability, she decided to start her own.

Meet the boss who Chooses To Include this Special Olympics Ontario athlete – and her busy training schedule

Balancing a work schedule, Special Olympics practices and competitions can be tough for Peterborough’s Crystal Cochrane, but her boss at Wendy’s in Peterborough always makes it work.

From hiring Special Olympics athletes to supporting programs and events, Tim Hortons is a true Champion of Inclusion

There are countless Tim Hortons restaurants across Canada that include Special Olympics athletes and Canadians with an intellectual disability as part of their team. A National Partner of Special Olympics Canada since 2015, Tim Hortons is a true Champion of Inclusion.

From using a walker to running: How a community program helps this five-year-old reach her full potential

Every Thursday morning five-year-old Alma Loken jumps out of bed filled with excitement. “I’m awake! It’s Special Olympics day!” she exclaims. Since...

Jackie Barrett performs a squat at World Games

Record-breaking Powerlifter Jackie Barrett first-ever Special Olympics athlete inducted in Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame

The now retired Corner Brook athlete, also known as “the Newfoundland Moose,” has broken not only Special Olympics records throughout his 28-year career, but also those of his able-bodied counterparts.

Brita holds ribbon won through Special Olympics.

After debilitating car crash, this Special Olympics athlete defies odds and becomes gold medalist

At just nine-weeks-old, Manitoba’s Brita Hall was in a car crash that resulted in the loss of the cognitive function of her brain. Doctors said she...

The Demeulenaere pose for a photo.

This Prince Edward Island Family is paving the way for a more inclusive Canada

In 2012, Prince Edward Island ’s Tracey and Mike Demeulenaere were heartbroken to learn their unborn daughter, Kelsey, would have Down syndrome...

Briggs, a labrador, pokes his nose towards the camera lens

Meet Special Olympics BC’s Top Dog – and his committed owner, Const. Jeremy Pearce

Four-year-old Labrador Retriever Briggs Pearce stole the show at the Vancouver Polar Plunge for Special Olympics BC earlier this year. Participating in the province’s first-ever Puppy Plunge on March 2, the charitable canine earned the sought-after title of “Top Puppy Plunger.”

Sgt. Joe Tataryn in his police uniform as Special Olympics athletes give him a group hug.

LETR an “obvious” fit for Saskatoon Police Service Sgt. Joe Tataryn

Saskatoon Police Service’s Sergeant Joe Tataryn got involved with the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) within his first month of becoming a police officer in 1998. While there are a number of charities supported by police across the country, LETR hit close to home.

Mark Gugan, in his police uniform, poses for a photo with an athlete holding a Canadian flag.

After 30 years with the LETR, this London City Police Officer still sees the impact he makes every day

After 32-years as a police officer, Sgt. Mark McGugan’s career highlight is the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR). The London City Police Officer – and Provincial Director for LETR in Ontario – has been involved with the public awareness and grassroots fundraising organization for Special Olympics for almost as long as he’s been policing.