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.

A group of two softball teams pose for a team photo on a baseball diamond
This is why Donna Hoar volunteers for Special Olympics Nova Scotia
I volunteer for ME! The pure joy and love of life experienced through interacting with our athletes is unmatched anywhere else.
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Two Special Olympics athletes hold up signs
A World Down Syndrome Day message brought to you by Special Olympics athletes
These Special Olympics athletes want you to know that they should have full participation in decision making about matters relating to or affecting their lives.
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Special Olympics North Bay athlete Matty poses for a photo while outside cross country skiing.
This is how Special Olympics coaches and athletes are staying active – and connected – amid the COVID-19 risks
Special Olympics Ontario’s Rebecca Cuff is one of many volunteer coaches going the extra mile to make sure athletes stay active, healthy and safe amid...
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Athletes stand at podium
Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Thunder Bay 2020 Video Highlights
After five exhilarating days of athleticism, teamwork and dedication the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Thunder Bay 2020 have come to an end. Watch the video highlights.
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Eric sits in a chair getting his eyes checked.
Special Olympics’ Healthy Athletes program unleashes PEI bowler’s potential with new prescription glasses
Special Olympics Team PEI five-pin bowler Eric Smith, 36, has had cataracts since a young age.
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Matthew and Crystal hug on their wedding day while looking into the camera.
Happy Valentine's Day from Special Olympics' Matthew and Crystal Williams
Langley B.C.’s Matthew and Crystal Williams are high school sweethearts who met through their special education class at Walnut Grove Secondary School...
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Two male Special Olympics athlete smile looking into the camera in front of a basketball court
Apply for a Special Olympics Canada Research Grant
Special Olympics Canada is accepting applications for research grants! The organization is looking for Special Olympics-oriented research proposals...
view full
Two male Special Olympics athlete smile looking into the camera in front of a basketball court
Apply for a Special Olympics Canada 2020 research grant
Special Olympics Canada is accepting applications for 2020 research grants. The organization is looking for Special Olympics-oriented research...
view full
Christine Hoffman's before and after weight loss pictures side by side.
Road to National Games leads to 100-pound transformation for this Special Olympics Manitoba bowler
Two years ago, Special Olympics Manitoba five-pin bowler Christine Hoffman weighed nearly 400-pounds and struggled with high cholesterol at just 26-years-old. When she qualified for the Special Olympics Canada 2018 Bowling Championships in Prince Edward Island, she and her coach decided to make some much-needed lifestyle changes.
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Logan Wilson poses for a photo with his arms around Special Olympics athletes.
Special Olympics is “the secret to happiness” for New Brunswick teen volunteer
Logan Wilson is a 17-year-old Miramichi, New Brunswick high school student with a passion for Special Olympics. When the Special Olympics New...
view full
A group of two softball teams pose for a team photo on a baseball diamond
This is why Donna Hoar volunteers for Special Olympics Nova Scotia
I volunteer for ME! The pure joy and love of life experienced through interacting with our athletes is unmatched anywhere else.
view full
Two Special Olympics athletes hold up signs
A World Down Syndrome Day message brought to you by Special Olympics athletes
These Special Olympics athletes want you to know that they should have full participation in decision making about matters relating to or affecting their lives.
view full
Special Olympics North Bay athlete Matty poses for a photo while outside cross country skiing.
This is how Special Olympics coaches and athletes are staying active – and connected – amid the COVID-19 risks
Special Olympics Ontario’s Rebecca Cuff is one of many volunteer coaches going the extra mile to make sure athletes stay active, healthy and safe amid...
view full
Athletes stand at podium
Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Thunder Bay 2020 Video Highlights
After five exhilarating days of athleticism, teamwork and dedication the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Thunder Bay 2020 have come to an end. Watch the video highlights.
view full
Eric sits in a chair getting his eyes checked.
Special Olympics’ Healthy Athletes program unleashes PEI bowler’s potential with new prescription glasses
Special Olympics Team PEI five-pin bowler Eric Smith, 36, has had cataracts since a young age.
view full
Matthew and Crystal hug on their wedding day while looking into the camera.
Happy Valentine's Day from Special Olympics' Matthew and Crystal Williams
Langley B.C.’s Matthew and Crystal Williams are high school sweethearts who met through their special education class at Walnut Grove Secondary School...
view full
Two male Special Olympics athlete smile looking into the camera in front of a basketball court
Apply for a Special Olympics Canada Research Grant
Special Olympics Canada is accepting applications for research grants! The organization is looking for Special Olympics-oriented research proposals...
view full
Two male Special Olympics athlete smile looking into the camera in front of a basketball court
Apply for a Special Olympics Canada 2020 research grant
Special Olympics Canada is accepting applications for 2020 research grants. The organization is looking for Special Olympics-oriented research...
view full
Christine Hoffman's before and after weight loss pictures side by side.
Road to National Games leads to 100-pound transformation for this Special Olympics Manitoba bowler
Two years ago, Special Olympics Manitoba five-pin bowler Christine Hoffman weighed nearly 400-pounds and struggled with high cholesterol at just 26-years-old. When she qualified for the Special Olympics Canada 2018 Bowling Championships in Prince Edward Island, she and her coach decided to make some much-needed lifestyle changes.
view full
Logan Wilson poses for a photo with his arms around Special Olympics athletes.
Special Olympics is “the secret to happiness” for New Brunswick teen volunteer
Logan Wilson is a 17-year-old Miramichi, New Brunswick high school student with a passion for Special Olympics. When the Special Olympics New...
view full