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This is the January edition of the Community Connect Newsletter that is shared with our whole Special Olympics Ontario community. | |
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Happy New Year!
We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and got some time to relax.
As we embark on the journey of 2024, we're thrilled to announce an exhilarating year ahead, brimming with games, plunges, and campaigns. We can hardly contain our excitement and look forward to sharing these memorable moments with each and every one of you throughout the year!
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Tim Hortons Campaign
February 2nd - 4th
Special Olympics Ontario has once again partnered with Tim Hortons to create the limited edition Special Olympics Donut.
Learn more by scrolling down!
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24h Blue Mountain
February 24th - 25th
Sixth annual 24h BLUE MTN is a fantastic team relay fundraising event to benefit Special Olympics and the Collingwood General & Marine Hospital Foundation.
Learn more by scrolling down!
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Polar Plunge
January - April
Calling all do-gooders with a little courage and a warm heart willing to get cold and creative for a worthy cause.
Learn more by scrolling down!
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Athlete of the Month: Yazmine Wilson-Daponte
Yazmine Wilson-Daponte has been an athlete with Special Olympics for 10 years, and during that time, she has participated in numerous sports such as Athletics, Basketball, Bocce, Curling, Soccer, and Swimming...
Click here to read more about Yazmine's journey
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Breaking Barriers on Ice:
Sarah Thomas
I'm Tracey Thomas, and together with my husband Jeff and daughters Sarah and Rebecca, we've been on a journey that has defied our expectations, challenged our preconceptions, and filled our lives with profound joy...
Click here to read more about Sarah's journey
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It’s the time of the year when you can eat as many donuts as you want without feeling guilty!
The Tim Hortons Special Olympics Donut campaign is happening from February 2nd to 4th, and we're counting on our fantastic SOO community to help spread the word and, of course, enjoy some delicious donuts!
This Tim’s campaign is truly remarkable, with 100% of the proceeds from donut sales directly benefiting local Special Olympics community programs. Your support goes a long way in assisting thousands of athletes with intellectual disabilities across Ontario and Canada.
While all Tim Hortons outlets are expected to offer the Special Olympics Donuts, it's advisable to secure your desired location by filling out a pre-order request form or by calling the desired location. (Click on the button below to pre-order)
What to help spread the word about the campaign? Share the available social graphics featured on the landing page to make this campaign a sweet success!
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We are very pleased to be back at the beautiful Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood, for the 6th annual 24h BLUE MTN Ski and Snowboard Relay – taking place the weekend of February 24th-25th, 2024.
This is an exciting fundraising opportunity, as 75% of all funds raised online by SOO registered teams will be sent back to your Community or Club!
This year, we have made two changes to make it easier for our SOO teams to participate and benefit from this opportunity:
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Fundraise to waive your registration fee! The cost to ski or snowboard in this event is a $175 registration fee and a $175 fundraising minimum - this year you have the option to fundraise your registration fee! There is no upfront cost to register, just a commitment to fundraise a minimum of $350.
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We are bringing back the popular Run/Walk relay! Not a skier or snowboarder but want to fundraise for your community and come spend a fun weekend at Blue Mountain Resort? Register to participate in the 24hr Run/Walk relay of the 1km route throughout the village, for just a $150 fundraising commitment.
All you must do to partake in this opportunity is register at 24hbluemtn.ca, and then email Anna Creighton at annac@specialolympicsontario.com and let us know the name of your team and which SOO Community or Club you are fundraising for.
See you on the slopes!
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Check out the 2023 Recap Video | |
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The Season for Freezin' is Near! | |
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Calling all do-gooders with a little courage and a warm heart willing to get cold and creative for a worthy cause.
Every year, the Polar Plunge unites thousands of warm-hearted individuals from all corners of the province in a fantastic endeavour to plunge into icy waters in support of Special Olympics Ontario.
This incredible event hosted by the Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run, is a dynamic platform for individuals, organizations, and businesses to contribute to a worthy cause.
All proceeds raised during this freezing feat are funnelled into essential programs and events benefitting an impressive 23,000 Special Olympics athletes spread across Ontario. What's more, a commendable 75% of the funds raised by registered athletes and volunteers directly benefit your community.
Ready to dive in? The more you raise, the more exciting prizes you can snag! Yeti mugs, snug bathrobes, or even a $1500 Air Canada gift card – it's all within your grasp. Click the button below to uncover more about these rewarding incentives!
Don't miss the chance to be part of the excitement. Take the plunge in your local community and drum up support for Special Olympics Ontario. For additional information and to find the nearest plunge location, simply click on the button below.
(Plunges will be added throughout the season so keep checking!)
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Find your nearest plunge: | |
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We are excited to announce the District Training Teams for the upcoming 2024 Provincial Spring Games! These Provincial Games will be hosted by the Waterloo Regional Police Service from May 23-26, 2024.
Of the over 700 athletes set to compete, almost 500 were training for the 2020 Provincial Spring Games that were cancelled due to the pandemic, finally they are getting their chance to shine! These athletes and coaches will be training hard over the next seven months to compete in five diverse and exciting sports: basketball, powerlifting, rhythmic gymnastics, swimming, and 10-pin bowling. These Games are the pinnacle of competition for Special Olympics athletes in Ontario and a celebration of their incredible abilities.
From these Provincial Spring Games, athletes will be looking to earn a spot on Team Ontario that will compete at the 2026 National Summer Games set to be hosted in Medicine Hat, AB. If you see District Training Team members out and about in your community – wish them luck!
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2024 Waterloo Region Spring Games – Central Ontario Spotlight | |
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Central Ontario is bringing a strong contingent to the 2024 Waterloo Region Provincial Spring Games, with 101 athletes and 28 coaches all set to participate!
The lineup includes 9 athletes showcasing their skills in 10 Pin Bowling, 49 hitting the courts for Basketball, 4 demonstrating their rhythmic prowess, and 39 making waves in Swimming! For a comprehensive list of all participating athletes, visit provincialgames.com/district-teams.
This month, we're thrilled to shine a spotlight on some outstanding individuals. Meet Samantha Damiani from Newmarket & Area, Steve Caban from Peterborough, Mlungisi Cele from South Simcoe, Brad Burns from Barrie, and Laura Conquest from Owen Sound & Area!
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Draft an Athlete for the Provincial Games!
Be a part of an athlete's achievement! Be a part of a draft that celebrates inclusion and diversity! Donate today to help an athlete achieve their dreams and compete at the 2024 Provincial Spring Games.
Learn more about the Draft an Athlete Program
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Special Olympics 2024 Calgary Games Updates | |
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The Calgary Games are 49 Days away!
Get ready to dive into all things Calgary 2024 and stay in the loop with the latest updates!
Subscribe to our Team O 2024 Calgary newsletter for more in-depth details about the games, athlete profiles, venue information, and much more.
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Calgary merch is here!
Our collection includes everything from snug hoodies to trendy beanies – the perfect gifts for both athletes and their biggest fans. Embrace winter in Team O fashion!
Don't miss out – December 15th is the last day to order for Christmas delivery. Orders placed after December 20th will be shipped in the new year.
Order Now
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Help support our athletes headed to the games!
Introducing our "Become a Fan" program – a unique opportunity for you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our dedicated athletes. By contributing to this program, you can be a vital part of our mission to eliminate financial barriers and ensure every athlete has an equal opportunity to participate.
Learn more about the Become A Fan Program
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Join Our Special Olympics Ontario
Social Media Network!
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Discover the power of the SOO Social Media Community!
The first Social Media Newsletter will be sent out this month!
Join our bi-monthly email newsletter to access a community of amazing resources. From insights to interactive webinars and a thriving network, we've got your social media journey covered. Whether you're an individual or managing your community's social accounts, our community is here to support your growth and success!
To sign up, click the button below!
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JANUARY 13TH
Milton - Speed Skating
Greater Durham - Figure Skating
JANUARY 14TH
Ottawa - Curling
JANUARY 20TH
Kingston - Basketball
Burlington - Basketball
St.Thomas - Basketball
JANUARY 27TH
Sarnia - Basketball
Sudbury - Floor Hockey
Ingersoll - Curling
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FEBRUARY 3RD
Toronto - Floor Hockey
Durham - Basketball
FEBRUARY 10TH
Burlington - Floor Hockey
Stratford - Floor Hockey
FEBRUARY 17TH
York South - Tenpin
FEBRUARY 18TH
Toronto - Speedskating
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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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Please note that clicking the unsubscribe link below will remove you from ALL newsletters and emails from Special Olympics Ontario - this means all communications related to Special Olympics Ontario and Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run, including related major games, events and updates etc.
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