Opening doors to new beginnings

It feels great to be back. But it also feels great to remember how our athletes and volunteers stood strong and kept our flame alive during the tough times. We thank each and every one of you for helping us to continue to change lives.

Now, we begin a new cycle and we are ready to expand our community. By opening the doors to new people — athletes, coaches and volunteers — we aim to strengthen our work and broaden the impact we have on Ontarians with disabilities. Because more people joining Special Olympics means more inclusion, dignity, respect and acceptance. It also means more smiles.  

Welcome back ... to the future

After all we’ve been through, I believe we can finally say: “we are back.” The challenges we faced during the past years pushed all of us in different directions, but we were certain that if we stayed true to our mission, vision and values we would be able to keep enriching the lives of our athletes, their families and our community through sport. It took resilience, creativity and innovation to overcome these hardships, but in the end, it made us all stronger than ever for what is to come.

Our future, even in this new reality, still holds magnificent things. And I’m glad to say that we are back to the future.

Taje Mohabir
Board Chair

Glenn MacDonell
President & CEO

Diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism statement

John Bryden
Vice-chair 
Director, Centre of Excellence, Integrated Health Management, Sobeys Inc.

Board of Directors Members

Because competition matters

Special Olympics is all about inclusion. That’s why we are so excited that communities across Ontario embraced Hometown Games: a reimagined approach supporting hyper-local sports competitions. Now there are more opportunities for athletes of all skill levels to feel the competitive spirit and share their success with their communities.

Moving forward, we will grow the number of host communities, and encourage different competition formats and a greater variety of sports. We believe it’s the way to make Hometown Games stronger and put them on the calendar of events for cities across Ontario.

Stephen Meade
Audit Chair
Partner, BDO Canada LLP

Shemina Jiwani
Fundraising Co-Chair
Chief Operating Officer, AscendantFX

Taje Mohabir
Chair
Vice President Intellectual Property, Global Wealth Management, CGI

Erin Gordon
Governance Chair
Vice President, Human Resources, Lindt & Sprungli

Aly Champsi
Fundraising Co-Chair
Managing Director, DW Healthcare Partners

Richard Onley
Director
Principal, The Osborne Group

Gillian Dingle
Secretary
Partner, Torys LLP

Warren Somers
Director
President, CTI Working Environments

Dr. Devin Singh
Director
Staff Physician & Lead Clinical AI & Machine Learning in PEM
 

Mike Van Hees
Past Chair, Ex-officio
Director, Global Banking & Markets, Scotiabank

Julia Romualdi
Director
Special Olympics Ontario Athlete, Speaker & Ambassador for Special Olympics

GET TO KNOW THE HOMETOWN GAMES

After all we’ve been through, I believe we can finally say: “we are back.” The challenges we faced during the past years pushed all

 of us in different directions, but we were certain that if we stayed true to our mission, vision and values we would be able to keep enriching the lives of our athletes, their families and our community through sport. It took resilience, creativity and innovation to overcome these hardships, but in the end, it made us all stronger than ever for what is to come.

Our future, even in this new reality, still holds magnificent things. And I’m glad to say that we are back to the future.

Taje Mohabir
Board Chair

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Reach Report

Even though the pandemic dealt us one of the biggest challenges since the beginning of Special Olympics Ontario, in 2022 we are still strong and ready for what is coming. Almost all of our programs have reopened, competitions are back in person, and the number of people involved in the virtual events reminded us of the importance of the organization.

CLICK HERE TO REVIEW OUR FULL FINANCIAL STATEMENT

School programs

Establishing a presence in schools and supporting in-house programs that include athletes with intellectual disabilities has been a key focus for Special Olympics Ontario. From a handful of participants in the first year, there are now thousands of members benefiting from school programs. Elementary, Secondary and Post-Secondary students are developing movement, building sports skills and getting prepared for games outside of the School Program.

We also have athletes competing against other schools in their communities, which has grown in popularity. We are ready to exceed that momentum in the coming year.

David Workman, Thunder Bay, Ont.

Stéphane Levere,  Embrun, Ont.

Keeping athletes in shape

Our Healthy @ Home program was developed to support athletes' health during the pandemic and it is still going strong. Every day, our volunteers virtually promote social interaction and create challenges to keep athletes healthy, both physically and mentally.

Healthy @ Home

Healthy Athletes

Away from the screens, Healthy Athletes has returned in person. Through healthcare professionals and university partnerships, Special Olympics athletes can be screened in: general health and wellness, eye health, audiology, dentistry, disease prevention and nutrition, emotional health, physical therapy and podiatry.

READ MORE ABOUT HEALTHY ATHLETESEXPLORE THE PROGRAM IN MORE DETAIL

35 years carrying the Flame of Hope

In 1987, inspired by the Kansas Chief Richard LaMunyon, Toronto Police Service Constable Lorne White lit the Law Enforcement Torch Run flame for the first time. And no one ever imagined how bright it would shine. The more than $40,000,000 raised for Special Olympics Ontario over the years has helped encourage community engagement and provided lasting friendships to athletes and families, while increasing well-being for Law Enforcement runners.

After 35 years, the LETR evolved and a variety of events were created to keep the flame burning. Polar Plunges, Tip-A-Cops, NHL Alumni Games, Torch Rides, Endurance Series and many others are the reason we have more than 10,000 Guardians of the Flame today.

Community and Volunteer Engagement

Special Olympics Ontario is a strong, solid community, and this is only possible because of our volunteers. We rely 100% on their engagement and willingness to work with us toward our common goals. As coaches, assistants, coordinators, fundraisers, and in many other roles, they get involved to help change lives. More often than not, their own lives change just as much.

While serving the community, working to increase athletes’ social skills and give them a sense of purpose, volunteers are fulfilled by their smiles. This is how we created more than a movement. We created a family. A place where everyone belongs.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TRADITIONAL LAND

We acknowledge that the Special Olympics Ontario office is located on the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat, the Haudenosaunee, and most recently, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations.

This land is governed by the Dish With One Spoon covenant between the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and the Confederacy of Ojibway and Allied Nations.

This covenant is an agreement to share, work and protect this land together in harmony.

Today, this meeting place is still the home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work, live and play on this land.

If we can improve on this statement, please email us at
info@specialolympicsontario.com.

ATHLETE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Trevor Knight
Barrie

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ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Lisa Butler
Peterborough

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COACH OF THE YEAR

Sandra McDougall
Thunder Bay

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PRESIDENT’S AWARD

Doug Vair
Brantford

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RISING STAR
COACH OF THE YEAR

Sierra Sumner
Greater Durham

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VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Lynne Houle
Sudbury

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TEAM OF THE YEAR

St. Thomas
Swish Basketball Club
St. Thomas

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EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR

Alison Rumball
Newmarket

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SCHOOL ATHLETE
OF THE YEAR

Nolan Blundon
Thunder Bay

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SCHOOL TEAM
OF THE YEAR

Pocock Pirates - Philip Pocock Catholic Secondary School
Mississauga

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2022 Awards

CLICK HERE TO REVIEW OUR FULL FINANCIAL STATEMENTCHECK OUR VIRTUAL EVENTS CALENDARREAD MORE ABOUT HEALTHY ATHLETES SCREENING

In 1987, inspired by the Kansas Chief Richard LaMunyon, Toronto Police Service Constable Lorne White lit the Law Enforcement of Torch Run flame for the first time.  

And no one ever imagined how bright it would shine. The more than $40,000,000 raised for Special Olympics of Ontario over the years has helped encourage community engagement and provided lasting friendships to athletes and families, while increasing well-being for Law Enforcement runners.

After 35 years, the LETR evolved and a variety of events were created to keep the flame burning. Polar Plunges, Tip-A-Cops, NHL Alumni Games, Torch Rides, Endurance Series and many others are the reason we have more than 26,000 Guardians of the Flame today.

Partners

2022 Impact Report

2022 Impact Report

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PROVINCIAL PARTNERS

Hear more from Lorne White

Changing the game and changing lives

The impact on Athletes

A volunteer's perspective

Hear from Coach Kate

Platinum

Gold

Silver

Bronze

NATIONAL PARTNERS

Special Recognition

As an organization, Special Olympics Ontario upholds and commits to the values of inclusion and equity, and uses the power of sport to foster social change. We also have an important role to play in the anti-racism movement.

Special Olympics Ontario commits to challenging anti-Black and anti-Indigenous structures, and is committed to anti-racism work within and through our organization and communities. We understand that this work is on-going, requires reflection and a strong resolve, and is absolutely necessary. We recognize that this work is a priority, and that our organization has a vital role in creating a framework for successful anti-racism practices at all levels.

Special Olympics Ontario is committed to learning, unlearning, educating and providing platforms for dialogue to ensure that all our members and future members are given opportunities to succeed. Only then will we reflect the true definition of inclusion.

84.8%
PROGRAM

5.9%
ADMINISTRATION

5.7%
MARKETING

2.0%
FUNDRAISING

1.6%
GAMING

Diamond

Platinum

Community Champions

Gold

Silver

Bronze & Friends

84.8%
PROGRAM

5.9%
ADMINISTRATION

5.7%
MARKETING

2.0%
FUNDRAISING

1.6%
GAMING

Registered Canadian Charitable Number:
11906 8435 RR0001

Copyright © 2022

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Registered Canadian Charitable Number:
11906 8435 RR0001

Copyright © 2022

"It is not enough to celebrate, tolerate or appreciate differences — it is about saying: ‘I need your difference.'"

Andrés Tapia
Senior Client Partner, Korn Ferry - Global Diversity and Inclusion Strategist

"As a Special Olympics Athlete and Ambassador, I would like to let everyone know what a great and wonderful organization Special Olympics is! I remember when I was a kid, both my brother and sister would try to include me as much as possible in games with their friends, but it was always a challenge, as they didn't have many resources. Today we have the wonderful organization of Special Olympics, and my life has changed forever. I'm much happier, have much more confidence.”

Melanie Héroux
Special Olympics Athlete and Ambassador

"Thank you for your inspiring strength. I'm a teacher trying hard to drive home the message of ‘yet'. You can't do it ... yet. You don't understand … yet. Watching you compete and persevere through all the challenges you face makes my students feel empowered. You are the superhumans. You are a shining bright light. We are cheering for you.”

Chantelle N , Pembroke

"As a Special Olympics Head Coach/volunteer for the past 20 years, I just want to say to all the Special Olympic Athletes: Congrats on all your hard work and dedication through the years. You are an inspiration to all people in this world. You all continue to prove that people with intellectual disabilities can work, train, volunteer, and play just as hard as anyone else. Just remember to love and be yourselves. Above all, do your best and have fun!”

Avis HAncaster

Most of our spending in 2022 (84%) directly supported hundreds of programs across the province. We are truly grateful to all the generous donors and sponsors for their continued support  ... together we are making a difference.
 
The latest filing of Special Olympics Ontario’s T3010 can be 
found here.

Special Olympics Ontario Financials