Community Connect Newsletter

Click here to read this newsletter online

This is the August edition of the Community Connect Newsletter that is shared with our whole Special Olympics Ontario community.

In This Edition...

Major Games Update

This month we're introducing a new section of the newsletter dedicated to upcoming Provincial Games and other higher-level competitions.

Learn more by scrolling down!

Women in Sport Series

We're preparing for our inaugural Women in Sport Series and looking for host communities.

Learn more by scrolling down!

Community Spotlights

Athlete of the Month: Stephen Graham

If you’ve been following Special Olympics for a while, there’s a good chance you’ve at least heard of Stephen Graham, an athlete from Orillia who competes in five different sports. Stephen’s been a stalwart advocate...

Click here to read more about Stephen's story.

Community Highlight: Velma Bachtold

"In 1989, I took my first step into the vibrant world of Special Olympics Chatham-Kent as a volunteer. Little did I know that this initial experience would ignite a lifelong journey of passion and dedication...."

Click here to read more about Velma's journey.

Major Games

Team Ontario - 2026 National Summer Games

Chef Announcement

Special Olympics Ontario has made a significant decision to entrust a volunteer with the crucial role of Chef de Mission for Team Ontario that will be representing our province at the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat, Alberta.

This decision is a testament to Special Olympics Ontario's commitment to a community-driven approach, where volunteers are not just participants, but key architects in shaping and guiding the organization's mission. By entrusting this pivotal leadership position to a volunteer, Special Olympics Ontario underscores the immense value we place on the dedication and passion of our volunteers.

We look forward to Team Ontario being led and inspired by one of our incredible volunteers. To learn more about Team Ontario and the Chef de Mission application process, please visit the link below.

See more about the position and apply here!

Brantford 2025 - Provincial Summer Games

Provincial Summer Games - Town Hall

Who: Athletes who Attended a Summer Qualifier

When: September 25th @ 7pm

Topics Covered will include, but not be limited to:

• What is Provincial Games?

• Athlete Endorsement & Registration Process

• Athlete Expectations

• Sneak Peek at the 2025 Provincial Summer Games

Click here to join the Town Hall

SAVE THE DATE: We will be hosting a 2025 Provincial Summer Games Town Hall specifically for Community Councils on September 24th. More details will be shared through your Program Consultant.

District Team Manager & Sport Technical Consultant Applications

We currently have two open positions for the 2025 Provincial Summer Games. To see details of these positions and to apply, please click here.

Women in Sport Series

The Special Olympics Ontario Sport Department is looking for Host Communities for our inaugural Women in Sport Series. This series will focus on female participation within team sports and will promote skill development, women's health, sportsWOMANship and FUN!!

Communities will host events between October and March, supported by Special Olympics Ontario. Interested communities are encouraged to reach out to Rebecca Norton rebeccan@specialolympicsontario.com for more details.

Research Opportunities

The University of Calgary is conducting a study to better understand the experience of menses and menstruation for individuals who have a neurodevelopmental disability including autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability.

Requirements:

• Special Olympics Athletes and Caregivers

• You (or your loved one) should be between 18-35 years old.

• Must have experienced (or support a person who has experienced) a period.

Time: A 1 hour interview (via zoom). Participants will receive a small gift as a token of appreciation to thank them for their time.

This study has been approved by the University of Calgary Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board. (REB24-0047)

Click here to sign up

Researchers at the School of Rehabilitation Therapy at Queen's University are looking for volunteers with intellectual disabilities to participate in a study regarding voting among individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Requirements:

• Individuals with an intellectual disability.

• Voting age (18 years or older).

Time: 15 minute virtual, phone, or in-person interview. Participants will not receive compensation for their time.

For more information and/or to sign up, please contact

Name: Rachel Pham

Email: 13rp7@queensu.ca

Phone: 416-949-7065

This study has received ethical approval by the Queen's University Health Sciences and Affiliated Teaching Hospitals Research Ethics Board.

Hometown Games Schedule

AUGUST 10TH

Brantford - Bocce

Collingwood - Bocce

Burlington - Softball

Sudbury - Softball

London - Golf

Perth - Soccer

Mississauga - Soccer

AUGUST 11TH

Ottawa - Bocce

AUGUST 12TH

Brantford - Golf

AUGUST 17TH

Kincardine - Bocce

Arnprior - Bocce

St. Thomas - Soccer

AUGUST 18TH

Milton - Golf

Lennox & Addington - Golf

AUGUST 24TH

Stratford - Softball

Durham - Softball

Burlington - Bocce

Huronia - Athletics

AUGUST 31ST

Brantford - Softball

Click to view our events calendar

Share Your Special Olympics Story

For the chance to have your Special Olympics story featured in a future newsletter, social media post, or campaign, submit your information on our Athlete Profile Form! Fill out your information, tell us your story, and submit a photo of you participating in Special Olympics, or include a headshot.

Click here to share your story!

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