Join us in celebrating National Coaches Week 2025!
From September 15th to 22nd, we join Canadians across the country in celebrating Coaches Week — a time to recognize the incredible individuals who make Special Olympics programs possible. But our appreciation goes far beyond one week. Every day, our coaches show up with passion, patience and purpose — guiding athletes as mentors, role models, advocates and friends.
At Special Olympics Canada, we know our coaches are the heartbeat of the movement. They help athletes build confidence, character and community — and they play a vital role in creating a more inclusive, accepting world through the power of sport.
Every day, you cheer on your athletes. This week, Special Olympics athletes and supporters across Canada are cheering for YOU! #ThanksCoach
Meet Our Coaches
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More Than a Coach: A Father, Leader, and FriendAfter 30+ years running his own business, Martin still finds time to volunteer with Special Olympics Quebec—alongside his daughter Maude, a dedicated student-athlete in five sports. What began as filling in as a coach turned into a life-altering passion, reshaping Martin’s priorities and bringing him closer to his community. Now an events manager and year-round mentor, Martin shares how SOQ gave him new purpose, and why he’s never looked back. -
Coaching Special Olympics: A Family AffairFor the Alexander family, coaching and volunteering and with Special Olympics is more than a fun family activity—it’s a shared passion that has shaped their lives over the past 15 years. Sally and Peter Alexander, along with their children Evan, Robyn, Krystal, and Chance, have each found unique ways to contribute their time, energy, and hearts to the organization. -
The Power of Returning: Chris Vanderwel’s Commitment to Special OlympicsFor over eight years, Chris Vanderwel has been a dedicated coach with Special Olympics BC, beginning his journey in Richmond in 2013. He quickly embraced the role of head track and field coach, driven by a passion for sport and inclusion. In 2019, Chris made the difficult decision to step back from coaching to focus on relocating his growing family, but returned in 2023 bringing renewed energy and dedication to his role.
BECOME A COACH OR VOLUNTEER TODAY!
Our athletes want YOU on their team!
Special Olympics coaches offer more than sport instruction - they are teachers, role models, mentors, and friends. As a Special Olympics coach, you bring enthusiasm, commitment and a positive attitude to each practice, event and competition, enriching the lives of each of the athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities that you meet.
In return, you develop meaningful connections with athletes who inspire you with their dedication, perseverance, and courage. You learn new skills, meet new people, and gain unique experiences, enriching your own life in turn.
Do you have a passion for sport and a desire to make a difference in your community? Special Olympics Canada is always looking for dedicated individuals to join our family of volunteer coaches across the country. Whether you’re an experienced coach or new to the field, we offer training, support and a welcoming environment to help you get started.
VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION COURSE
If you're inspired by our coaches and want to make a difference, consider becoming a Special Olympics coach and help us continue changing lives through sport.
UNIFIED SPORTS
Become a Coach or Unified Partner! The Special Olympics Unified Sports program brings people with and without an intellectual or developmental disability together on the same team, promoting social inclusion while breaking down barriers and stereotypes.
COACH.CA LOCKER COURSES
Become a Coach or Unified Partner! The Special Olympics Unified Sports program brings people with and without an intellectual or developmental disability together on the same team, promoting social inclusion while breaking down barriers and stereotypes.
DONATE IN HONOUR OF A COACH
Celebrate the impact of a coach who has made a difference in your life or your community by making a donation in their honour. Your support helps us provide quality training, resources, and development opportunities to our coaches, ensuring they can continue to inspire and empower our athletes to reach their full potential.
Every contribution helps us build a more inclusive world through the transformative power of sport.