Floorball: The Newest Sport Addition to Special Olympics Canada
In an exciting development, Special Olympics Canada (SOC) is pleased to announce the introduction of Floorball as a newly recognized sport.
This decision follows a thorough evaluation process and extensive consultations with many partners across the country. The introduction of Floorball provides an exciting new avenue for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities to showcase their talents and strengthens our commitment to expanding our programs to reach more Canadians and foster a more inclusive sport landscape across the country.
Why Floorball?
The choice to introduce floorball stems from a variety of factors that align with SOC’s mission to provide meaningful sports experiences to athletes of all abilities. Floorball has seen a surge in popularity globally and has been recognized by Special Olympics International (SOI) as an official sport, with a pathway leading up to the Special Olympics World Games.
The sport's low barriers to entry—including equipment access, minimal required equipment, and smaller team sizes—make it highly accessible, even in more remote and rural communities.
Voices from the Community: Athlete and Coach Reactions
The announcement of floorball’s inclusion has sparked enthusiasm among athletes and coaches alike:
- “I’m thrilled to try floorball. It’s fast, fun, and something new that brings everyone together,” said Matthew B., a Special Olympics athlete from Alberta. “I can't wait to see how this sport grows across the country and to be a part of it.”
- Coach Angela R. from Ontario expressed her excitement: “Floorball is a game-changer. It’s accessible, easy to learn, and perfect for smaller communities. I’m excited to start coaching and to see our athletes have the chance to take this new opportunity all the way to the world stage.”
Implications for Programs and Competition Pathways
The addition of floorball provides a renewed opportunity for SOC athletes to participate in a team sport at the World Winter Games, ensuring that Canada remains represented on the global stage. Chapters across the country are encouraged to integrate floorball into their programs, with the flexibility to maintain both floor hockey and floorball, depending on local needs and interests.
SOC will provide comprehensive resources, including official rules and regulations, coaching guides, and officiating pathways, to support Chapters in introducing floorball. As the sport grows, these resources will be continually updated to reflect the evolving needs of athletes, coaches, and volunteers.
The Legacy of Floor Hockey
While the introduction of floorball represents an exciting new opportunity, SOC acknowledges the important role that the sport of floor hockey has played in Special Olympics history. Floor hockey holds a special place in our movement, being one of the first sports ever competed in during the inaugural Special Olympics Games in 1968, thanks to the pioneering work of Dr. Frank Hayden. His ground-breaking research and advocacy for inclusive sport were foundational in the establishment of the Special Olympics movement, and floor hockey was a central part of that vision. Special Olympics Canada is committed to celebrating this legacy, and will continue to support and develop floor hockey resources as needed based on participation levels across the country.
Next Steps for Chapters and Athletes
SOC, along with Chapters and a content expert group, have created SOC Rules of Play for floorball, as well as coaching resources and equipment guides to get new and transitioning teams started. In the coming months, a coach and officials training pathway and resources will be finalized. Interested athletes and coaches are encouraged to contact their local SO Chapter to find out more information on plans for floorball in their area.
Special Olympics Canada looks forward to the exciting opportunities that floorball will bring to our athletes and communities. Whether you are an athlete, coach, volunteer, or supporter, there are many ways to get involved and experience the joy of this new sport!