Floorball: The Newest Sport Addition to Special Olympics Canada
In an exciting development, Special Olympics Canada 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 Special Olympics' 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.
Implications for Programs and Competition Pathways
The addition of floorball provides a renewed opportunity for Special Olympics 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.
Special Olympics Canada 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, Special Olympics Canada 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.
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!