Meet Athlete Ambassador, Aaron Zhang | Empire Family of Brands Fundraising Campaign 2025

June 06, 2025

For 10-year-old Aaron Zhang, choosing a favourite activity in Special Olympics is impossible—he loves all of them. Whether he’s passing a ball in soccer, learning new skills in FUNdamentals, or playing floor hockey with teammates, Aaron is always up for the challenge.

What he enjoys most about being a Special Olympics athlete?

“I get to play different sports and games with friends and coaches.”

Aaron Zhang, Special Olympics British Columbia Athlete

Young boy in blue shirt holding a basketball

"Aaron is becoming more confident and his self-esteem is also getting higher. He learns leadership from his coaches and the volunteers. He’s even told me he wants to be a volunteer for our local Special Olympics program when he’s older.” - Aaron's mother, Juan

Aaron joined Special Olympics two years ago, after his mom, Yuan, heard about the program through a coworker who volunteers locally. Traditional sport programs had been challenging, but Special Olympics offered something different—a place where Aaron could have fun, grow his confidence, and be surrounded by a community that sees his potential.

One of his biggest sources of pride? Watching his confidence grow and his leadership skills begin to blossom. “Aaron is becoming more confident and his self-esteem is also getting higher,” says Yuan. “He learns leadership from his coaches and the volunteers. He’s even told me he wants to be a volunteer for our local Special Olympics program when he’s older.”

And when it comes to giving back, Aaron and his family's message to Empire and its customers is both heartfelt and impactful:

“You can’t get a coffee for $2 at most places these days, but you can donate $2 to Special Olympics at a Safeway or Thrifty Foods and really change people’s lives, like Aaron’s.”

For families considering getting involved, Yuan has just one message:

“Don’t wait. Try one class and your kid will love the program and stick with it.”

Because for Aaron and so many others, Special Olympics is more than sport—it’s confidence, connection, and a chance to shine.

You can support Special Olympics athletes like Aaron by making a donation this June 12-22 at participating Empire Family of Brands stores including: Sobeys, Safeway, Ontario Foodland, Atlantic Foodland and participating CO-OPs, IGA West, Thrifty Foods, Lawtons Drugs and Needs Convenience stores.

Learn more: www.specialolympics.ca/Empire