Welcome to your first edition of the Games at a Glance newsletter – your behind-the scenes look at our nation’s largest inclusive multi-sport event, the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024!
We are officially one week away from the Opening Ceremony, which will bring together over 1,250 participating Special Olympics athletes, coaches and support staff from across Canada and more than 2,500 spectators.
The Games will run from February 27th to March 2nd, marking our return to competition on the national stage for the first time since the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Thunder Bay 2020.
As we gear up for this momentous event, let's take a moment to appreciate the incredible dedication and hard work that our athletes have put into preparing for these Games. Their determination and passion are truly inspiring – we can't wait to see them shine on the ice, snow and slopes!
Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024
Special Olympics Canada National Games provide Canadian athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) a competitive opportunity and venue to pursue excellence. For many athletes, this national competition will serve as a pivotal stepping stone towards the Special Olympics World Winter Games Torino 2025.
The Games Organizing Committee (GOC), comprised of seasoned community leaders, business professionals and sports enthusiasts, is working hand-in-hand with Special Olympics Canada (SOC) to ensure a professional, competitive and enjoyable event. This collaboration aims to create an unforgettable experience for all participants and foster a legacy of inclusion within the host city and for all Canadians who follow the journey.
Games by the Numbers
1,250 Athletes, Coaches, Managers and Mission staff from across 12 Provinces and Territories
10 Provinces and 2 Territories
8 Sports:
Floor Hockey, Alpine Skiing, 5-Pin Bowling, Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoe, Figure Skating, Speed Skating and Curling
Athletes
5-Pin Bowlers: 185
Alpine Skiers: 41
Curlers: 109
Figure Skaters: 44
Floor Hockey Players: 244
Cross-Country Skiers: 53
Snowshoers: 98
Speed Skaters: 37
1,500 Volunteers
2,500 Spectators, Families & Friends
60 Technical Officials
21 NextGen Coaches
Watch the Opening Ceremony from Home
Save the date for the Special Olympics Winter Games Opening Ceremony on February 27th from 8:30pm-10:45pm ET!
The Opening Ceremony and select events and competitions will be available for livestream viewing on Special Olympics Canada’s YouTube Channel and TSN’s online streaming platform.
Meet the Athlete Ambassadors for the Games
Meet Allie, Darby, Damion, Leonka and Siobhan — the Athlete Ambassadors that sit on the Games Organizing Committee for the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024.
This impressive group of athletes has been active in their community and the media to promote the upcoming Games while raising awareness for the Special Olympics movement as a whole and educating the public on the power of inclusion.
Read about our Athlete Ambassadors
"I’m honoured to be the Athlete Representative on the SOCWG 2024 Executive committee and one of the five Athlete Ambassadors for the Games. You might say ‘Together We Can,’ but I say, ‘Together we are making a difference changing the lives of people with differing abilities - one sport at a time!"
- Leonka Kaluha
Healthy Athletes
As we gather in Calgary to witness the remarkable achievements and spirit of our Special Olympics athletes, we are equally committed to supporting their overall health and well-being. Special Olympics Healthy Athletes, a cornerstone program of our movement, offers essential health services and education for all participating athletes.
Complimentary Healthy Athletes screenings will be available in 5 disciplines administered by volunteer healthcare providers throughout the duration of the Games:
1. Opening Eyes: Comprehensive vision care, including eye exams and distribution of prescription eyewear, sunglasses and sports goggles.
2. Special Smiles: Oral health assessments, dental screenings and oral hygiene instruction and education.
3. Strong Minds: Focused on mental health, this screening promotes emotional well-being and offers resources for developing adaptive coping skills.
4. FUNfitness: Physical therapy assessments tailored to provide athletes with the guidance to prevent and reduce the risk of injury while working to improve optimal function not only in sports training and competition but in everyday life.
4. Health Promotion: Offers screenings for blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) while educating about and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices to improve self-efficacy and self-advocacy.
In the Media
As the Games approach, athletes from across Canada have been making headlines in various news outlets. Here are some notable features:
Global News: ‘A lifetime experience’: Manitoba athletes gear up for Special Olympics Canada Winter Games
CTV Calgary: Special Olympics volunteers gather ahead of upcoming Calgary Games
Aldergrove Star: Langley B.C. Special Olympics athletes prepare for Winter Games
Global News: ‘It’ll be awesome!’: Calgary athlete plays key role at major Special Olympics event
Global News: Erin Ambrose and Jessica Porter on championing inclusivity in hockey
Calgary Herald: 'Disability inclusion through sport': Special Olympics Athlete Ambassadors bring team spirit to Local School
Global News: Local Special Olympics Athlete Prepares for Journey to Winter Games
Global News: Lethbridge athlete heading to Special Olympics Canada Winter Games
Be a Fan
Follow all the highlights and join the conversation to show your support for the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games 2024 on social media! Follow us on our official channels and use the hashtag #SOCWG2024 to share your messages of encouragement, photos, and videos.
Follow Special Olympics Canada on Social Media:
Follow SOC Winter Games Calgary 2024 on Social Media:
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We look forward to celebrating the achievements of our athletes at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024!