Impact Report

See your support in action

Because of incredible donors like you, more than 45,000 Canadian children, youth and adults with intellectual disabilities can reach their full potential. Your ongoing support of Special Olympics Canada allows these individuals to access the transformative power of sport not only through Special Olympics’ competitive programs, but also its daily community programs offered across the country.


Learn more about the lives you’ve changed in the stories below.

Briggs, a labrador, pokes his nose towards the camera lens
Meet Special Olympics BC’s Top Dog – and his committed owner, Const. Jeremy Pearce
Four-year-old Labrador Retriever Briggs Pearce stole the show at the Vancouver Polar Plunge for Special Olympics BC earlier this year. Participating in the province’s first-ever Puppy Plunge on March 2, the charitable canine earned the sought-after title of “Top Puppy Plunger.”
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Sgt. Joe Tataryn in his police uniform as Special Olympics athletes give him a group hug.
LETR an “obvious” fit for Saskatoon Police Service Sgt. Joe Tataryn
Saskatoon Police Service’s Sergeant Joe Tataryn got involved with the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) within his first month of becoming a police officer in 1998. While there are a number of charities supported by police across the country, LETR hit close to home.
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Mark Gugan, in his police uniform, poses for a photo with an athlete holding a Canadian flag.
After 30 years with the LETR, this London City Police Officer still sees the impact he makes every day
After 32-years as a police officer, Sgt. Mark McGugan’s career highlight is the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR). The London City Police Officer – and Provincial Director for LETR in Ontario – has been involved with the public awareness and grassroots fundraising organization for Special Olympics for almost as long as he’s been policing.
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Kristi MacKay, dressed in her uniform, fist bumps an athlete at an event.
Meet dedicated LETR PEI member Kristi Mackay
School Resource Officer Kristi MacKay is a dedicated LETR PEI committee member and a consistent participant in the province’s annual Polar Plunge. She also goes above and beyond by taking on extra tasks and creating unforgettable experiences with Special Olympics athletes.
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Const. Scott Edwards stands in front of a police car with his dog Chase in the front seat. Scott is holding a yellow sign that says #NoGoodWay
Meet Constable Scott Edwards with Manitoba’s Morden Police
Constable Scott Edwards has been involved with the Manitoba LETR since 2014 and is currently the Secretary on the Executive Committee. He is also the Chair of the Morden Polar Plunge Committee, which is in its 5th year.
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A police officer poses for a photo with an athlete
'Athletes are the true heroes:' Meet Vancouver Police Department's Inspector Joanne Wild
Inspector Joanne Wild has been a member of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics BC (BC LETR) since the 1990s and serves on the BC LETR Executive Council. She has worked tirelessly to raise funds and awareness for SOBC through numerous fundraising initiatives.
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Braylon poses for a photo at Cora's restaurant for a Cops and Crepes event with another officer and two Special Olympics athletes
From LETR to starting up a Special Olympics basketball team, this Alberta Constable is transforming lives through sport every day
In 2010, I was asked to participate in a community LETR run. I honestly didn’t know what LETR or Special Olympics was about at that time, but I enjoyed running, so I said yes. I started volunteering and meeting local athletes. The athletes always had huge smiles on their faces and the happiness was contagious.
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Officers run with the Flame of Hope and LETR signs
From Torch Runs to Polar Plunges and Truck Convoys, meet Special Olympics’ largest grassroots fundraiser: the Law Enforcement Torch Run
When retired Toronto Police Service Const. Lorne White first heard about the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) more than 30 years ago, he “knew nothing” about Special Olympics. Today, he’s one of the biggest champions of the movement in Canada.
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Volunteer Melissa Tobin smiles for a photo with an athlete on a soccer field.
Volunteering with Special Olympics just as important as Med School for this Newfoundland & Labrador coach
When Melissa Tobin started Medical School last year, she didn’t even question continuing her role as a Special Olympics swim coach. Although the 23-year-old knew her first year studying medicine at Memorial University of Newfoundland was a major time commitment, Monday night swim practice was just as important.
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Steve Topham poses for a photo with Special Olympics rhythmic gymnasts as they all put their hands in to show off their bracelets.
1% better everyday with Steve Topham: a 10-week functional workout program
Join Special Olympics Team Canada's official Strength & Conditioning Coach Steve Topham, for a 10-week functional workout program, taking place on...
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