Welcome to the Highlight Reel, a web series all about Special Olympics athletes, coaches, volunteers and staff from across Canada.

The Highlight Reel offers a behind the scenes look at the Special Olympics movement, which is so much more than sport. Through dozens of videos, you’ll experience the heart and soul of Special Olympics and how it fosters inclusion, friendship, health, leadership, strength, determination and confidence within thousands of Canadians with – and without – an intellectual disability.

Join us for this 30-episode series, featuring athletes of all ages, all abilities and all skill levels from Special Olympics programs in local communities, recreation centres, schools and clubs across the country – all of which are driven by extraordinary volunteers.

Follow @SpecialOCanada on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, as we release episodes weekly and cap off each month with a Facebook Live discussion.

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Episode 1

At Special Olympics, everything starts at the grassroots level. Athletes and their families find a place within their local Special Olympics community program and learn skills to achieve their personal goals – whether that’s qualifying for competitions, staying active or meeting new people.

Episode 2

At Special Olympics, there’s a place for everyone. A place for athletes to learn, excel and make friends – as well as a place for parents and coaches to do the same. Welcome to Episode Two of The Highlight Reel, featuring Special Olympics Quebec figure skater Émilia Morin-Turcotte and her mother/coach Véronique Morin.

Episode 3

“We are truly changing lives.” Welcome to Episode Three of the Highlight Reel. Find out why coaches, volunteers, athletes and families get involved in their local Special Olympics program.

Episode 4

Maxime Clavette is a dedicated track and field athlete. When he joined Special Olympics Quebec 12 years ago, he could barely run 100-metres. Today, 3,000-metres is considered “very easy” to the accomplished athlete. This Canadian Down Syndrome Week – and every week – Maxime and his father Serge are asking you to #SeeTheAbility.

Episode 5

For Newfoundland & Labrador’s Michael Budden, Special Olympics is so much more than sport. Get to know this accomplished cross-country skier in Episode 5 of The Highlight Reel.

Episode 6

Ten years ago, Special Olympics Ontario’s Meghan Josling couldn’t walk across a parking lot without having a seizure. Today, she is an accomplished runner and competes in 5,000-metre races. Get to know this inspiring athlete in Episode 6 of The Highlight Reel.

Episode 7

Find out why these Special Olympics BC twin speed skaters say you should get involved with the movement in Episode 7 of the Highlight Reel.

Episode 8

If you’re involved with Special Olympics, you’ve likely heard the name Peter Snider before. Get to know the man – and family – behind the impressive athlete in Episode 8 of The Highlight Reel.

Episode 9

Special Olympics Ontario – Toronto grassroots programming has changed not only Deeshana’s life – but her whole family’s lives. Learn more in Episode 9 of the Highlight Reel.

Episode 10

Meet Brandon Gibbs, a Special Olympics Ontario coach. He fell into volunteering after university and can't imagine his life without it now. Find out his why in Episode 10 of The Highlight Reel.

Episode 11

Special Olympics welcomes all abilities and all ages. From two years old to 70-plus, there’s a place for you. But don’t take it from us, take it from Special Olympics Alberta's Spencer Stevens.

Episode 12

At Special Olympics Ontario, Ezekiel Liu has found a place where he can say, “I belong here and I matter.” Watch Episode 12 of The Highlight Reel to see how Ezekiel and his Coach/Dad have been keeping up his fitness levels during the pandemic.

Episode 13

Special Olympics Ontario’s Gordie Bilic is the perfect example of what happens every day in our grassroots programs. In episode 13 of the Highlight Reel, meet Gordie and discover the heart and soul of Special Olympics.

Episode 14

Meet Brandon Khan in Episode 1️⃣4️⃣ of The Highlight Reel. He immigrated to Canada with his family in 2006. At Special Olympics Ontario he found a place where he can be proud of his accomplishments and make lasting friendships.

Episode 15

For Special Olympics Quebec’s Ian Loiseau, he found friendships – and a band – through his local programs. In Episode 1️⃣5️⃣ of the Highlight Reel, meet Ian and his Elvis cover band, made up of Special Olympics Montreal athletes.

Episode 16

“My life has become so enriched … I cannot imagine living my life without this purpose in it.”

Why does Marie Powell love coaching for Special Olympics Alberta? Find out in Episode 1️⃣6️⃣ of The Highlight Reel.

Episode 17

Yesterday may have been International Women's Day, but each and every day Special Olympics athletes challenge stereotypes, fight bias and broaden perceptions.

Meet the inspiring women from the Special Olympics Nova Scotia and Special Olympics Alberta floor hockey teams. They always #ChooseToChallenge, #ChooseToInclude and help create a gender equal world - on and off the playing floor.

As Special Olympics Alberta's Michele Morris says in Episode 1️⃣7️⃣ of The Highlight Reel, “Ladies, just go out there and do whatever you want to do. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. Power to girls!”

Episode 19

Special Olympics is more than sport, it is a global inclusion movement.

Through the transformative power of sport, Special Olympics athletes challenge stereotypes, fight bias and broaden perceptions to address barriers to inclusion.

In Episode 1️⃣9️⃣ of The Highlight Reel, watch as Special Olympics Team Canada 2019 athletes visit a school in Abu Dhabi to speak to students about the power of inclusion.

Episode 20

After taking home two gold medals at the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, Mike Guyton gave a heartwarming speech on what the accomplishment and sharing that moment with his coaches and teammates meant to him.

Thank you for the dose of inspiration today, Mike. The entire Special Olympics community is proud of you!

Special thanks to...

The Highlight Reel wouldn’t be possible without documentary filmmakers Helgi Picinnin and Philippe Miquel. The majority of footage from the Highlight Reel was captured and recorded by Picinnin and Miquel over the past three years, during the making of their soon-to-be released documentary Champions - le film and while capturing other video projects for Special Olympics Canada.

Champions - le film follows Special Olympics Nova Scotia runner Stephane Picinnin (Picinnin’s brother) and Special Olympics Quebec’s Audrey Vincent on their journey from local community programs to the world stage.