DRAFT AN ATHLETE BY CLICKING HERE

Draft an Athlete is a program that allows supporters of the movement to fund a Special Olympics athlete’s journey to a regional, provincial, national or world competition. The cost of sending athletes to competitions is high. Through the Draft an Athlete program, more athletes are able to attend a competition through direct support.

Thousands of Special Olympics athletes from around the world will gather in Abu Dhabi and Dubai this March to display their athleticism and celebrate the spirit of Special Olympics during the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games, the movement’s flagship event.

From March 14 – 21, 2019, 7,000 athletes and 2,500 coaches from 170 countries will gather in Abu Dhabi and Dubai for what will be the largest sport and humanitarian event anywhere in the world in 2019.

The 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games, with the unparalleled spirit, enthusiasm, teamwork, joy and displays of courage and skill that are hallmarks of all Special Olympics events, will feature nine sport disciplines across two locations in United Arab Emirates. The Games are expected to bring in more than 50,000 spectators and 20,000 volunteers.

Special Olympics Canada will be sending a team of 164-members, with 109 athletes, 36 coaches, 18 mission staff, 1 team manager, 1 assistant Chef de Mission and 1 Chef de Mission as well as Honorary Coach, Olympic Rower, Marnie McBean.

Athletes on Special Olympics Team Canada 2019 commit to an enhanced weekly training regimen that includes conditioning and training, committing to a healthy lifestyle, attending all team functions and being role models for other Special Olympics athletes, both on and off the field of play. They are supported by a tremendous network of resources, leading up to and during the competition, including; mission and coaching staff, a team physician, mental trainer, fitness instructions, nutritionists and motivational speakers.

Guests at LIMITLESS: The Special Olympics Canada Gala have an opportunity to support Special Olympics Team Canada athletes competing in Abu Dhabi and Dubai this March by symbolically Drafting an Athlete this evening for $1,500. You can also follow all the action during the Games via Special Olympics Canada’s website, www.specialolympics.ca and social media accounts @SpecialOCanada.

Thank you to the individuals and organizations who supported the Draft an Athlete program