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.

NWT speedskater Joshua Boudreau holds up the NWT flag in front of the Thunder Bay students whod rafted him, while holding support signs.
Yellowknife’s Josh Boudreau feels like he’s “carrying the Territories” on his back at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Thunder Bay 2020.
"Jordan Koughan lifts his arms up in victory with a big smile on the podium"
Special Olympics Team PEI speed skater Jordan Koughan, achieved new Personal Bests and medaled at his first-ever National Games – all in brand new skates donated by the Thunder Bay community.
 27-year-old Team Ontario 5 Pin bowler Brandon Khan and 52-year-old Team Alberta snowshoer Spencer Stevens compete at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Thunder Bay 2020
From two-years-old to 70-plus, there’s a place for everyone – all ages and skill levels – at Special Olympics. Meet 27-year-old Team Ontario 5 Pin bowler Brandon Khan and 52-year-old Team Alberta snowshoer Spencer Stevens, both competing at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Thunder Bay 2020.
Fae and Jeri Lee Hodgins pose for a photo at the bowling alley.
The road to the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Thunder Bay 2020 has been seven years in the making for Special Olympics Team BC five-pin bowler Jeri Lee Hodgins and her sister/head coach Fae.
Athletes high five and fist bump.
From fist bumps, to high fives and thumbs up, there’s no shortage of team spirit when you’re on a Special Olympics Canada curling team. Meet the Special Olympics Team Saskatchewan curlers from Melfort who are in Thunder Bay for the 2020 Winter Games.
Two Special Olympics Canada athletes attend their first National Games.
Meet Special Olympics Newfoundland & Labrador cross-country skier Michael Budden and Special Olympics Quebec alpine skier April Gaudain. For both athletes, Thunder Bay marks their first-ever National Games. Watch the above video and follow them in to their first Opening Ceremony experience.
Play video for Curling Day in Canada feature of Special Olympic athlete.
It’s been a long road to the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Thunder Bay 2020 for Adam Vriesendorp. The New Brunswick athlete underwent surgery...
Deb and Mike Sumner take a selfie together.
With Mike competing in figure skating and Deb a curling coach, the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Thunder Bay 2020 will be the mother-son duo’s third time travelling to a National Games as part of Special Olympics Team Yukon.
Adam and Brendon stand side by side with their heads shaved looking into the camera
Since the last Winter Games in 2016, Brendon, a 24-year-old speed skater with autism, has survived cancer and Adam, a 22-year-old curler with autism, has recovered from a surgery that removed 40 per cent of his lung.
Eric sits in a chair getting his eyes checked.
Special Olympics Team PEI five-pin bowler Eric Smith, 36, has had cataracts since a young age.
NWT speedskater Joshua Boudreau holds up the NWT flag in front of the Thunder Bay students whod rafted him, while holding support signs.
Yellowknife’s Josh Boudreau feels like he’s “carrying the Territories” on his back at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Thunder Bay 2020.
"Jordan Koughan lifts his arms up in victory with a big smile on the podium"
Special Olympics Team PEI speed skater Jordan Koughan, achieved new Personal Bests and medaled at his first-ever National Games – all in brand new skates donated by the Thunder Bay community.
 27-year-old Team Ontario 5 Pin bowler Brandon Khan and 52-year-old Team Alberta snowshoer Spencer Stevens compete at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Thunder Bay 2020
From two-years-old to 70-plus, there’s a place for everyone – all ages and skill levels – at Special Olympics. Meet 27-year-old Team Ontario 5 Pin bowler Brandon Khan and 52-year-old Team Alberta snowshoer Spencer Stevens, both competing at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Thunder Bay 2020.
Fae and Jeri Lee Hodgins pose for a photo at the bowling alley.
The road to the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Thunder Bay 2020 has been seven years in the making for Special Olympics Team BC five-pin bowler Jeri Lee Hodgins and her sister/head coach Fae.
Athletes high five and fist bump.
From fist bumps, to high fives and thumbs up, there’s no shortage of team spirit when you’re on a Special Olympics Canada curling team. Meet the Special Olympics Team Saskatchewan curlers from Melfort who are in Thunder Bay for the 2020 Winter Games.
Two Special Olympics Canada athletes attend their first National Games.
Meet Special Olympics Newfoundland & Labrador cross-country skier Michael Budden and Special Olympics Quebec alpine skier April Gaudain. For both athletes, Thunder Bay marks their first-ever National Games. Watch the above video and follow them in to their first Opening Ceremony experience.
Play video for Curling Day in Canada feature of Special Olympic athlete.
It’s been a long road to the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Thunder Bay 2020 for Adam Vriesendorp. The New Brunswick athlete underwent surgery...
Deb and Mike Sumner take a selfie together.
With Mike competing in figure skating and Deb a curling coach, the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Thunder Bay 2020 will be the mother-son duo’s third time travelling to a National Games as part of Special Olympics Team Yukon.
Adam and Brendon stand side by side with their heads shaved looking into the camera
Since the last Winter Games in 2016, Brendon, a 24-year-old speed skater with autism, has survived cancer and Adam, a 22-year-old curler with autism, has recovered from a surgery that removed 40 per cent of his lung.
Eric sits in a chair getting his eyes checked.
Special Olympics Team PEI five-pin bowler Eric Smith, 36, has had cataracts since a young age.