The World Games are the flagship event for the Special Olympics movement and take place every two years, alternating between summer and winter Games. The World Games feature more than a week of intense, yet inspiring, competition among thousands of athletes.

The National Team Program (NTP) was developed by Special Olympics Canada to better equip our athletes, coaches and mission staff attending World Games. Utilizing a fair and transparent process to identify and select members for Special Olympics Team Canada (SOTC), the NTP is designed to provide these athletes, coaches and mission staff with a formalized approach to training and preparation for World Games. The program ensures that Special Olympics athletes in Canada have access to quality training, coaching and competitive opportunities to ensure optimal performance and a positive experience as a member of the National Team.

Areas of focus for the National Team Program include:

  • Sport Science – emphasis on fitness, nutrition and mental performance
  • Training Camps – one full team training camp and one sport specific training camp
  • Training Monitoring – regular reporting through an online tool, development, assessment and revision of training plans, baseline and pre- Games fitness testing
  • Communication – ongoing contact between Training Coaches and National Team Coaches
  • Professional Development – individual and group opportunities for coaches and mission staff including the provision of funds to support these initiatives
  • Mission Meetings – one in-person and one virtual meeting for all coaches and mission staff

 

For an overview of the National Team Program and information on how to become a member of Special Olympics Team Canada (SOTC) please check out the following documents.

Special Olympics World Games &
National Team Program:
Overview

The World Games are the flagship event for the Special Olympics movement and take place every two years, alternating between summer and winter Games.

The NTP is designed to provide athletes, coaches and mission staff with a formalized approach to training and preparation for World Games. The program ensures that Special Olympics athletes in Canada have access to quality training, coaching and competitive opportunities to ensure optimal performance and a positive experience as a member of the National Team.

Special Olympics Team Canada (SOTC):
Selection, Evaluation Criteria &
Team Composition

Special Olympics Canada (SOC) takes pride in the formalized approach we take for the selection and evaluation of SOTC members. This document provides an overview of the selection process and evaluation criteria that are used to ensure a fair and transparent process and how our teams have stacked up in three key pillars: gender representation, language skills and new vs. returning team members.

Special Olympics World Winter Games: 
Torino, Italy 2025

Apply now and join Special Olympics Team Canada!

Overview:
The National Team Program (NTP) is designed to provide athletes, coaches and mission staff with a formalized approach to training and preparation for World Games. The program ensures that Special Olympics athletes in Canada have access to quality training, coaching and competitive opportunities to ensure optimal training, performance and a positive experience as members of the Special Olympics Team Canada (SOTC).

Please be prepared to submit the following information when applying:

  • NCCP number
  • Confirmation of a valid passport, or commitment to renewal
  • Previous experience (Special Olympics and non) surrounding the role
  • Answers for a few short questions around why you are interested in the role
  • Confirmation that you are available to attend all in-person dates mentioned above

Assistant Coach Role

The role of Special Olympics Team Canada Assistant Coach is to ensure that their assigned Special Olympics athletes are prepared for competition, and experience the social, emotional and physical benefits of participating as SOTC members.

Head Coach Role

The Special Olympics Team Canada Head Coach is the sport technical lead for their respective sport. They are responsible for the development and monitoring of yearly training plans that guide athletes and coaches leading up to the World Games. The SOTC Head Coach is in frequent communication with Assistant Coaches and Training Coaches, as well as the Chef de Mission and Team Managers, on all sport technical and athlete training activities.

Mental Performance Lead

The Mental Performance Lead is responsible for the planning, preparation and delivery of a mental performance plan to the Special Olympics Team Canada leading up to and during the Special Olympics World Games.

Mission Staff

The role of Special Olympics Team Canada Mission Staff is to ensure the efficient and effective operation of SOTC during the time leading up to and during the World Games. Mission staff ensure a productive an inclusive and positive team experience for the athletes and coaches.

Team Doctor

The role of the Team Doctor is to organize, prepare and provide medical consultation, services and support to the members of the Special Olympics Team Canada leading up to and during the Special Olympics World Games.