Stories

Sharing the joy of sport

Special Olympics has received many incredible stories from people whose lives have been changed and enriched through sport, friendship, fun and mentorship. Some of those people have been kind enough to share their stories with you.

Visit our photo and video galleries featuring our athletes, coaches, and volunteers.

OOAKA
Special Olympics Canada has unveiled a groundbreaking athlete-engagement tool called 'One-of-a-kind Anthems.' Developed in collaboration with Grey Canada, this innovative technology allows athletes to create their own personal anthems.
Healthy Athletes
As we gather in Calgary to witness the remarkable achievements and spirit of our Special Olympics athletes, we are equally committed to supporting...
Susan Wang
Ten Special Olympics athletes have been selected to serve as the 2024 – 2027 Sargent Shriver Global Messengers – prestigious spokesperson roles for...
Leonka Kaluha
As the excitement builds for the upcoming Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024, we are happy to introduce Leonka Kaluha, a remarkable...
Calgary Games Organizing Committee
Meet Allie, Darby, Damion, Leonka and Siobhan — the Athlete Ambassadors for the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024. You'll see this terrific group of athletes out in the community as they attend and speak at events, interview other athletes and support partnerships in the lead up to the Games.
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Special Olympics Canada strongly endorses Minister Carla Qualtrough's announcement regarding the establishment of the Future of Sport in Canada...
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Special Olympics Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Charity Sheehan as Chef de Mission and Juli Prokopchuk Brattan as Assistant Chef de Mission for Special Olympics Team Canada 2025. This dynamic duo previously served as Chef de Mission and Assistant Chef, respectively, for the Special Olympics Team Canada 2022.
Jackie Barret
Special Olympics Canada has partnered with Canada's Sports Hall of Fame to launch a new curriculum-aligned national education program that will share the Special Olympics story with more Canadian youth while championing the inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in sport and in life.
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October is Disability Employment Awareness Month – an annual reminder of the pressing need for equal employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. It is a time to recognize and celebrate the unique talents and contributions that individuals with diverse abilities bring to the workforce.
Marley Gayler poses with her managers at Tim Hortons, proudly wearing her Special Olympics medals.
Marley Gayler understands the power of being included as part of a team – both on the field of play and in the workforce. She's been a Special Olympics athlete for nearly 15 years and employed by Special Olympics Canada national partner, Tim Hortons, for just over 7. For Marley, her role at Tim Hortons is not just a job; it's a source of fulfillment and purpose. Her passion for her work is palpable as she describes the different responsibilities of her job that bring her joy.
OOAKA
Special Olympics Canada has unveiled a groundbreaking athlete-engagement tool called 'One-of-a-kind Anthems.' Developed in collaboration with Grey Canada, this innovative technology allows athletes to create their own personal anthems.
Healthy Athletes
As we gather in Calgary to witness the remarkable achievements and spirit of our Special Olympics athletes, we are equally committed to supporting...
Susan Wang
Ten Special Olympics athletes have been selected to serve as the 2024 – 2027 Sargent Shriver Global Messengers – prestigious spokesperson roles for...
Leonka Kaluha
As the excitement builds for the upcoming Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024, we are happy to introduce Leonka Kaluha, a remarkable...
Calgary Games Organizing Committee
Meet Allie, Darby, Damion, Leonka and Siobhan — the Athlete Ambassadors for the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024. You'll see this terrific group of athletes out in the community as they attend and speak at events, interview other athletes and support partnerships in the lead up to the Games.
x
Special Olympics Canada strongly endorses Minister Carla Qualtrough's announcement regarding the establishment of the Future of Sport in Canada...
x
Special Olympics Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Charity Sheehan as Chef de Mission and Juli Prokopchuk Brattan as Assistant Chef de Mission for Special Olympics Team Canada 2025. This dynamic duo previously served as Chef de Mission and Assistant Chef, respectively, for the Special Olympics Team Canada 2022.
Jackie Barret
Special Olympics Canada has partnered with Canada's Sports Hall of Fame to launch a new curriculum-aligned national education program that will share the Special Olympics story with more Canadian youth while championing the inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in sport and in life.
x
October is Disability Employment Awareness Month – an annual reminder of the pressing need for equal employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. It is a time to recognize and celebrate the unique talents and contributions that individuals with diverse abilities bring to the workforce.
Marley Gayler poses with her managers at Tim Hortons, proudly wearing her Special Olympics medals.
Marley Gayler understands the power of being included as part of a team – both on the field of play and in the workforce. She's been a Special Olympics athlete for nearly 15 years and employed by Special Olympics Canada national partner, Tim Hortons, for just over 7. For Marley, her role at Tim Hortons is not just a job; it's a source of fulfillment and purpose. Her passion for her work is palpable as she describes the different responsibilities of her job that bring her joy.