Community Connect Newsletter

Click here to read this newsletter online

This is the September 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: Christine Tetley

As a passionate 5-pin bowler, Christine Tetley from Dryden Ontario looks forward to bowling each week and competing in the Regional Tournament in Thunder Bay every April. For her, Special Olympics means...

Click here to read more about Christine's story.

Community Highlight: Jonathon Sibley

"I’ve dreamed of becoming a lifeguard since I was a teenager. My cousin Sean was a lifeguard, but I didn’t think I could learn everything I needed to or handle the stress of all the training. The exam day arrived on August 25, 2023, and I was very nervous..."

Click here to read more about Jonathon'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

Calling all athletes: We need your insights!

The Self Advocate Research Group, led by Yvonne Spicer, Theresa Somerton, and Nicole Flynn, wants to hear from you about Passport Funding. The purpose of this survey is to find out what works and doesn’t work with passport funding. Share your thoughts in a 10min survey.

Click here to complete the survey

Calling all athletes and caregivers: We need your insights!

Join the Our Kids' Health Special Olympics Advisory Board! We need both athletes and caregivers connected with a range of our online communities to help us build a health website. Please see the flyer above for more information.

Contact Manager of Health & Research, Brock Reissner, at brockr@specialolympicsontario.com to join the advisory board today.

Local Events Schedule

SEPTEMBER 8TH

Port Colborne - Bocce

York South - Bocce

OCTOBER 20TH

Oakville - 5-Pin

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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