Stories | Special Olympics Canada

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.

A police officer poses for a photo with an athlete

'Athletes are the true heroes:' Meet Vancouver Police Department's Inspector Joanne Wild

Inspector Joanne Wild has been a member of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics BC (BC LETR) since the 1990s and serves on the BC LETR Executive Council. She has worked tirelessly to raise funds and awareness for SOBC through numerous fundraising initiatives.

Braylon poses for a photo at Cora's restaurant for a Cops and Crepes event with another officer and two Special Olympics athletes

From LETR to starting up a Special Olympics basketball team, this Alberta Constable is transforming lives through sport every day

In 2010, I was asked to participate in a community LETR run. I honestly didn’t know what LETR or Special Olympics was about at that time, but I enjoyed running, so I said yes. I started volunteering and meeting local athletes. The athletes always had huge smiles on their faces and the happiness was contagious.

Officers run with the Flame of Hope and LETR signs

From Torch Runs to Polar Plunges and Truck Convoys, meet Special Olympics’ largest grassroots fundraiser: the Law Enforcement Torch Run

When retired Toronto Police Service Const. Lorne White first heard about the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) more than 30 years ago, he “knew nothing” about Special Olympics. Today, he’s one of the biggest champions of the movement in Canada.

Volunteer Melissa Tobin smiles for a photo with an athlete on a soccer field.

Volunteering with Special Olympics just as important as Med School for this Newfoundland & Labrador coach

When Melissa Tobin started Medical School last year, she didn’t even question continuing her role as a Special Olympics swim coach. Although the 23-year-old knew her first year studying medicine at Memorial University of Newfoundland was a major time commitment, Monday night swim practice was just as important.

Steve Topham poses for a photo with Special Olympics rhythmic gymnasts as they all put their hands in to show off their bracelets.

1% better everyday with Steve Topham: a 10-week functional workout program

Join Special Olympics Team Canada's official Strength & Conditioning Coach Steve Topham, for a 10-week functional workout program, taking place on...

Jayne Burton and her son pose for a photo on a golf course

Special Olympics BC has changed Jayne Burton’s life as a volunteer – and parent

Langley’s Jayne Burton has been volunteering for Special Olympics British Columbia for the past 10 years. She originally signed up to help her son Christian, a Special Olympics BC – Langley athlete...

Athletes stand for a photo with WWE star Becky Lynch

Special Olympics School of Strength: Your at home workout routine

Looking for a workout routine you can do from the inside of your home? We're excited to introduce you to the School of Strength! Get started with...

"An athlete hugs coach Susan Altomare from behind at a bowling alley."

This Manitoba volunteer gets as much – or more – out of Special Olympics as the athletes

From my volunteer and coaching experience, I have become more empathetic, patient and understanding. I am better at problem solving and quick thinking.

Martin McSween poses for a photo with his ski team.

It’s been 30 years and counting for this Special Olympics Alberta alpine ski coach

Alberta’s Martin McSween was introduced to Special Olympics 30 years ago while working at a group home for individuals with intellectual disabilities in Drumheller.

A young volunteer takes a selfie with an athlete on a sunny day

Meet this 15-year-old Special Olympics Saskatchewan volunteer making a difference in her community

MEET SPECIAL OLYMPICS SASKATCHEWAN'S JILL DOBBIN Special Olympics Saskatchewan coach Jill Dobbin started volunteering in Kindersley when she was just...

A police officer poses for a photo with an athlete

'Athletes are the true heroes:' Meet Vancouver Police Department's Inspector Joanne Wild

Inspector Joanne Wild has been a member of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics BC (BC LETR) since the 1990s and serves on the BC LETR Executive Council. She has worked tirelessly to raise funds and awareness for SOBC through numerous fundraising initiatives.

Braylon poses for a photo at Cora's restaurant for a Cops and Crepes event with another officer and two Special Olympics athletes

From LETR to starting up a Special Olympics basketball team, this Alberta Constable is transforming lives through sport every day

In 2010, I was asked to participate in a community LETR run. I honestly didn’t know what LETR or Special Olympics was about at that time, but I enjoyed running, so I said yes. I started volunteering and meeting local athletes. The athletes always had huge smiles on their faces and the happiness was contagious.

Officers run with the Flame of Hope and LETR signs

From Torch Runs to Polar Plunges and Truck Convoys, meet Special Olympics’ largest grassroots fundraiser: the Law Enforcement Torch Run

When retired Toronto Police Service Const. Lorne White first heard about the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) more than 30 years ago, he “knew nothing” about Special Olympics. Today, he’s one of the biggest champions of the movement in Canada.

Volunteer Melissa Tobin smiles for a photo with an athlete on a soccer field.

Volunteering with Special Olympics just as important as Med School for this Newfoundland & Labrador coach

When Melissa Tobin started Medical School last year, she didn’t even question continuing her role as a Special Olympics swim coach. Although the 23-year-old knew her first year studying medicine at Memorial University of Newfoundland was a major time commitment, Monday night swim practice was just as important.

Steve Topham poses for a photo with Special Olympics rhythmic gymnasts as they all put their hands in to show off their bracelets.

1% better everyday with Steve Topham: a 10-week functional workout program

Join Special Olympics Team Canada's official Strength & Conditioning Coach Steve Topham, for a 10-week functional workout program, taking place on...

Jayne Burton and her son pose for a photo on a golf course

Special Olympics BC has changed Jayne Burton’s life as a volunteer – and parent

Langley’s Jayne Burton has been volunteering for Special Olympics British Columbia for the past 10 years. She originally signed up to help her son Christian, a Special Olympics BC – Langley athlete...

Athletes stand for a photo with WWE star Becky Lynch

Special Olympics School of Strength: Your at home workout routine

Looking for a workout routine you can do from the inside of your home? We're excited to introduce you to the School of Strength! Get started with...

"An athlete hugs coach Susan Altomare from behind at a bowling alley."

This Manitoba volunteer gets as much – or more – out of Special Olympics as the athletes

From my volunteer and coaching experience, I have become more empathetic, patient and understanding. I am better at problem solving and quick thinking.

Martin McSween poses for a photo with his ski team.

It’s been 30 years and counting for this Special Olympics Alberta alpine ski coach

Alberta’s Martin McSween was introduced to Special Olympics 30 years ago while working at a group home for individuals with intellectual disabilities in Drumheller.

A young volunteer takes a selfie with an athlete on a sunny day

Meet this 15-year-old Special Olympics Saskatchewan volunteer making a difference in her community

MEET SPECIAL OLYMPICS SASKATCHEWAN'S JILL DOBBIN Special Olympics Saskatchewan coach Jill Dobbin started volunteering in Kindersley when she was just...