Donate $2 to help feed a Special Olympics athlete's appetite for participation

Hometown: Halifax, NS.

To Ava, leading a happier and healthier life means bean bag tossing and a whole lot of friends. Starting with Special Olympics Active Start program at 2 years old gave Ava a head start to a lifetime of fitness. For Ava's dad, Paul, it means finding a community that is accepting of his daughter, where she can learn physical skills as well as build her confidence to take on other challenges in life. As Paul says, when it comes to donations that support Ava and her fellow athletes, "every penny helps" - imagine what your $2 donation will do!

Hometown: St. John's, NL.

Lilly’s first sport with Special Olympics was T-Ball. Participating on that team opened her up to a world of other sports, which is when she found her love of swimming. Her coach was her inspiration. As Lilly works on her kicks and back floats, her parents have watched her make friends. Witnessing this has brought their family so much happiness. They share this message with supporters: "Everyone deserves to be included. Special Olympics in Newfoundland gave Lilly a chance to shine. And to all coaches and volunteers, you are invaluable. Thank you."

Hometown: Vancouver, B.C.

Michael is a Special Olympics athlete participating in the Special Olympics FUNdamentals program in his local community. His family was no stranger to the movement as his older brother Ramon was a long-time athlete in the Burnaby swim program. The Siytangco family were avid supporters as they experienced firsthand the transformative power of sport. When Michael joined his local fundamentals program, he was excited to learn new skills like kicking, catching, and throwing. These skills have built up his confidence and make him feel he belongs.

Hometown: Fredericton, NB.

It was early 2021 when Derek and Gillian reached out to find a Special Olympics program for their daughter in New Brunswick. They had heard great things, but it wasn’t until that summer when programs started to open up again that Mira discovered softball. Swinging, running, and creating bonds with her teammates started Mira on a new path – her family too. Special Olympics programs provides a regular activity in their lives, where families grow together – a journey they hope to be on for a long time.

Hometown: Winnipeg, MB.

Since 2017, Nevada has been busy with a variety of Special Olympics programs, from track to swimming, curling and gymnastics. Nevada’s mom, Caroline, says watching your child compete in local tournaments and win their first ribbon is something you never forget. Participating in Special Olympics connects Nevada to the larger world of sport – something that we all see on TV everyday – and she feels proud to be a part of this. Participating in Special Olympics has become a family affair, as Caroline volunteers and fundraises while Stepdad David is now coaching. Nevada has big dreams of winning a gold medal one day – your donations help make this possible!

Hometown: Warman, SK. 

Nicholas has been a Special Olympics athlete since he was 2 1/2 years old! Garett signed his son up as soon as he could – he knew he had found an inclusive space where Nicholas would be accepted for who he is. Since then, Nicholas has learned many skills to prepare him for his very first track meet coming up in May 2022. Garett is always sure to tell other families about the free or affordable programs offered by Special Olympics, which allow athletes to follow a path in sport that takes them from childhood to adulthood. And to all the invaluable volunteers, he says "You are making your community a better place to live."

Hometown: Edmonton, AB.

Between soccer and swimming, Omar can’t choose his favorite. His mother, Alisha, discovered Special Olympics through her Clinical Support Network when she was looking for a community program, which was particularly important to their family through the isolating times of the pandemic. Not only has Omar thrived in his programs, but attending has allowed Alisha to meet like-minded parents – a support she strongly values. Omar is nonverbal, but watching him participate, toss a ball to his coach, smile and interact has meant everything to Alisha. Inclusive sport meets every child where they are at, and Special Olympic provides this space for their family.

Hometown: Brampton, ON. 

Savannah’s journey with Special Olympics started in 2010 and has been a wonderful experience full of friendships and sports. She plays a variety of sports that keep her busy all year long. It's given her mom, Cristal, great joy to watch her daughter have experiences and achievements that she may otherwise not have had without access to these inclusive programs. Cristal reminds us that as an organization fueled by volunteers, the support and fundraising by Partners like Sobeys is critical to getting programs back up and running after the pandemic. Together, we can help get Savannah and athletes across Canada back on the playing field.

Hometown: Charlottetown, PEI. 

To four year old Toby, Special Olympics Active Start program means having fun jumping on the springboard and trampoline with his friends and coaches. Toby started attending programs at the age of two – crawling was his very first milestone. Noe, the sky's the limit! Toby's parents, Megan and Jeff are grateful they were able to get Toby involved so young. They met other families and found a place where not only their son fit in, but they too felt a sense of belonging. Their advice to anyone thinking about getting involved: "Every person of every ability deserves the opportunity to play sports – so try it, it's an incredibly rewarding experience."