Olympic champion Penny Oleksiak headlines Sports Celebrities Festival supporting Special Olympics BC
Special Olympics BC is excited to welcome Olympic swimming champion Penny Oleksiak as the keynote speaker at the 2025 Sports Celebrities Festival presented by Wheaton Precious Metals!
The inspiring gala has raised vital funds for Special Olympics BC athletes and programs for 27 years. This meaningful event is known for its powerful demonstration of inclusion and respect for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The gala has a far-reaching impact, having raised more than $11 million to date.
Funds raised at the Sports Celebrities Festival will ensure that athletes with intellectual disabilities can find purpose, friendships, and fitness through Special Olympics sport, youth, and health programs.
The gala has historically been attended and supported by prominent B.C. sport leaders and organizations including champions of inclusion from the Vancouver Canucks, Vancouver Canucks Alumni, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, BC Lions, and many more.
Special Olympics BC is so grateful for the champions of inclusion within the sport community in B.C. and beyond!
Penny Oleksiak, 2025 Sports Celebrities Festival keynote speaker
Penny Oleksiak is a Canadian Olympic champion who has made history as the most decorated female Canadian Olympian. Bursting onto the international scene at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Oleksiak won four medals, including a gold in the 100m freestyle, making her the youngest Canadian to win Olympic gold. Her incredible performance continued at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she secured three more medals, solidifying her status as a swimming powerhouse. After suffering an injury that kept her out of competition, Oleksiak is excited to be back and feeling better than ever as she trains for the LA 2028 Summer Olympics.
Beyond her Olympic success, Oleksiak has captured numerous World Championship and Commonwealth Games medals, showcasing her relentless drive and exceptional talent.
Outside of the pool, Oleksiak is passionate about health and wellness, often sharing tips and insights on maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle. She also has a passion for fashion and enjoys exploring new trends and styles.
Dedicated to mental health advocacy, Oleksiak uses her platform to raise awareness and support for mental health initiatives. Known for her determination, resilience, and inspiring sportsmanship, Oleksiak continues to be a role model for aspiring athletes across the globe.
Oleksiak has been a valued member of the Special Olympics Canada Champions Network for a number of years, helping advance the mission of using the power and joy of sport to open hearts and minds to the abilities of individuals with intellectual disabilities and build inclusive communities.
We’re excited to hear more from Oleksiak on October 23, 2025, at the Sports Celebrities Festival!
Meet the 2025 Champions of Inclusion
Along with Oleksiak, Special Olympics BC is excited to welcome a range of inspiring sport leaders to the 2025 Sports Celebrities Festival! Meet some of the valued champions of inclusion joining us for this year’s gala, and stay tuned for more announcements to come.