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.

x
Happy Holidays from Special Olympics across Canada
It’s been a tough year for all of us with Special Olympics in-person programs shut down due to COVID-19. As always, Canadian athletes with an...
view full
X
PEI’s Heidi Mallett selected to represent all Special Olympics North America athletes on Global Athlete Leadership Council
Mallett, 46, has been selected as the next Special Olympics North America (SONA) representative on Special Olympics International’s Global Athlete Leadership Council (GALC). She is the first Canadian in this role since the Council was created in 2017.
view full
x
Special Olympics Canada Champions Network members Mark Tewksbury, Scott Moir and Tessa Virtue appointed to Order of Canada
Three Special Olympics Canada Champions Network members have been appointed to the Order of Canada – one of the country’s highest honours.
view full
A Special Olympics Powerlifter performs a deadlift
#SeeTheAbility this Canadian Down Syndrome Week
These Special Olympics athletes want you to #SeeTheAbility this Canadian Down Syndrome Week - and every week.
view full
Michael Jacques smiles looking at the camera
Special Olympics Ontario athlete and published author Michael Jacques set to release new children’s book on inclusion
Special Olympics Ontario athlete, author and inspirational speaker Michael Jacques has published his first children’s book.
view full
x
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.
view full
x
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.
view full
x
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.
view full
x
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.
view full
x
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.
view full
x
Happy Holidays from Special Olympics across Canada
It’s been a tough year for all of us with Special Olympics in-person programs shut down due to COVID-19. As always, Canadian athletes with an...
view full
X
PEI’s Heidi Mallett selected to represent all Special Olympics North America athletes on Global Athlete Leadership Council
Mallett, 46, has been selected as the next Special Olympics North America (SONA) representative on Special Olympics International’s Global Athlete Leadership Council (GALC). She is the first Canadian in this role since the Council was created in 2017.
view full
x
Special Olympics Canada Champions Network members Mark Tewksbury, Scott Moir and Tessa Virtue appointed to Order of Canada
Three Special Olympics Canada Champions Network members have been appointed to the Order of Canada – one of the country’s highest honours.
view full
A Special Olympics Powerlifter performs a deadlift
#SeeTheAbility this Canadian Down Syndrome Week
These Special Olympics athletes want you to #SeeTheAbility this Canadian Down Syndrome Week - and every week.
view full
Michael Jacques smiles looking at the camera
Special Olympics Ontario athlete and published author Michael Jacques set to release new children’s book on inclusion
Special Olympics Ontario athlete, author and inspirational speaker Michael Jacques has published his first children’s book.
view full
x
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.
view full
x
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.
view full
x
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.
view full
x
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.
view full
x
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.
view full