Champions of Inclusion News

National Sport Organization Golf Canada along with the Professional Golfers’ Association of Canada are true Champions of Inclusion, creating countless opportunities for Special Olympics athletes and coaches across the country.

When Special Olympics Newfoundland & Labrador athlete Leah McDonald saw the call for Champions of Inclusion nominations, she immediately thought of her boss at Spirit of Newfoundland Productions.

Manitoba’s Kyla Anderson, a special education teacher and motionball Winnipeg committee member, is a true role model when it comes to creating inclusive communities.

A Southern Saskatchewan school district credits its very own Champion of Inclusion, Bob Ballantyne, for its accessible and inclusive facilities.

Five years ago, Special Olympics Unified Sports – a program that brings together people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team – didn’t exist in Alberta high schools. Today, almost 20 per cent of the province’s schools boast successful programs...

When Roshan Gosal signed up to volunteer for Special Olympics BC in grade 10, he was just hoping to fulfill his required community service hours for high school. After coaching one soccer practice, he was “hooked.”

When 21-year-old Syrian refugee Emran Alnahhas moved to Canada with his family three years ago, he hoped for a better life for not only himself, but also his younger sister Aliaa, who has Down syndrome.

Saskatoon’s Brenda Baker, an award-winning singer and former children’s entertainer, wanted to pass on her love of music to her daughter Tori, who had Down syndrome. When she couldn’t find a local choir that accommodates the needs of children with an intellectual disability, she decided to start her own.

Balancing a work schedule, Special Olympics practices and competitions can be tough for Peterborough’s Crystal Cochrane, but her boss at Wendy’s in Peterborough always makes it work.

There are countless Tim Hortons restaurants across Canada that include Special Olympics athletes and Canadians with an intellectual disability as part of their team. A National Partner of Special Olympics Canada since 2015, Tim Hortons is a true Champion of Inclusion.