Community Connect Monthly Newsletter

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Special Olympics Ontario has recently rebranded monthly newsletters to "Community Connect." Be sure to follow Special Olympics Ontario on social media for continued updates or visit specialolympicsontario.com for additional information.

Meet Marc Richardson

Meet Marc Richardson, a passionate athlete from the Guelph-Wellington community who has been involved with Special Olympics for 17 years. Marc participates in a wide range of sports including 10-Pin Bowling, Basketball, Floor Hockey, Soccer, and Softball.  



For Marc, Special Olympics means being a part of a team and competing at his best level. He also looks forward to playing sports and meeting up with his friends.  

2024 Spring Games- Waterloo Region

Special Olympics Ontario are delighted to announce that the 2020 Spring Games will be taking place May 23-26, 2024 in Waterloo Region. Many of the athletes who qualified have been patiently waiting for three-plus years, so next spring cannot come soon enough.

Applications for Coach, District Team Manager or Sport Technical Consultant at the Spring Games are now open.

New athlete identification to the Spring Games, supplementing 2020 identified athletes, will begin shortly. To review the unique identification process for new athlete identification, please visit the website and select the respective sport.

If you have questions, feel free to reach out to Jarrod Copland, Manager, Sport and Competition: JarrodC@specialolympicsontario.com

Announcing our 2024 TEAM ONTARIO Training Squad

Special Olympics Ontario proudly introduces our Team Ontario Training Squad! This group of Athletes, Coaches and Mission Staff will spend the next eight months training to compete at Special Olympics Canada’s 2024 National Winter Games in Calgary, AB from February 27th – March 2nd, 2024. 

Anticipation & Excitement are at an all-time high for Team Ontario heading to the 2024 Special Olympics National Winter Games to be held in Calgary. When you stop and think back over the last few years you realize all the challenges these athletes have endured and overcome, it truly is amazing. They had to train and stay conditioned by utilizing their basements, driveways, and backyards during the Covid 19 Pandemic. Participating in online workouts with their ever-committed and devoted coaches, it’s really astounding when you stop and think about it. And now it’s time to show everyone our grit and determination!

We are only 244 days away from wheels down in Calgary. 235 Athletes from across Ontario will compete in all eight sports offered at these games. Including coaches, mission staff and leadership team, Team Ontario will be comprised of 350 amazing and dedicated people. 

We look forward to seeing you in Calgary! 

Sheryl Huestis 

Chef de Mission, Team Ontario 2024 

Jackie Silvers Intro to Meal Prep Workshop has been postponed to July 20th, 7-8:30pm. Spots are still available to sign up! This is a free event with giveaways! 

Location: Special Olympics Ontario head office – 65 Overlea Boulevard, suite 200 Toronto, ON M4P 1P1 

Limited spots available: this workshop is open to 20 athletes in the GTA only. The form will automatically close once 20 athletes have registered. 

Caregivers are welcome to accompany an athlete should they need it. Athletes will have the opportunity to make a recipe with Jackie with ingredients supplied by Sobeys! 

Call for Volunteers: FitFeet Healthy Athletes Screening

Special Olympics Ontario is looking for volunteers to assist in an upcoming Fit Feet screening as part of our Healthy Athletes program in Owen Sound, Ontario. The Special Olympics Healthy Athletes program is a worldwide initiative that provides health screenings and education to Special Olympics athletes and people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Please review the recruitment flyer and sign up to volunteer if interested, Healthy Athletes is a wonderful and meaningful experience for all involved.

Special Olympics Hamilton & McMaster Marauders

Special Olympics Hamilton and the McMaster Marauders are thrilled to announce the 2nd Annual Basketball Clinic. This event welcomes athletes of all levels and sports backgrounds. Prepare to improve your skills, receive guidance from experienced coaches, and connect with fellow sports enthusiasts. We are excited to share that Patrick Tatham, head coach of the McMaster Marauders and Canada Basketball, will be joining the clinic to offer his expertise and insights. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity!

Register before July 28th by contacting Jay Erlich at hamilton.publicrelations@specialolympicsontario.ca.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from experienced coaches and connect with fellow sports enthusiasts!

Date: August 12th

Time: 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Location: Burridge Gymnasium, McMaster University

Hometown Games

Registration is still open for ALL of these events, so click below to participate today! 

Happening this month:

JULY 8

Toronto Soccer

Brantford Track Meet

JULY 15

Peterborough Softball

JULY 17

London Golf

JULY 22

Peterborough Bocce

JULY 23

Ottawa Athletics

JULY 29

Burlington Softball

Brampton Softball

London Bocce

Toronto Softball

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. 

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