Meet Athlete Ambassador, Louisa Lai | Empire Family of Brands Fundraising Campaign 2025

For Louisa Lai, movement is joy—especially when she’s playing soccer or basketball with her teammates. Her favourite part of Special Olympics? “I am challenged and connected.” Whether she’s racing down the field or taking a shot on net, Louisa is all in.

Louisa joined Special Olympics just last year after her teacher introduced the program to her family, and the impact was immediate. “She has more opportunities to study and play sports, so she is physically better—and she is happier and more confident,” says her mom, Sienna.

Some of Louisa’s most memorable moments come when “she successfully throws the ball into the basket or successfully shoots at the net, and when she and her teammates celebrate their victory.” Those moments of progress, teamwork, and shared celebration have helped build her confidence both on and off the field.

Fueling her active days are favourites like banana purée from Sobeys—a healthy snack that’s quick, tasty, and keeps her going strong. Her love of anything banana has made her local Sobeys a go-to stop for nutritious choices that support her participation in sport.

When asked what she’d say to the customers supporting athletes like her, Louisa’s words say it all:

“We are so grateful to Empire and their awesome customers who are supporting us to have the opportunity to participate, practice, grow and change.”

For Sienna, the importance of inclusion in sport is clear: “Playing sports helps them exercise and connect, develop skills, and add fun to their lives.”

And to other families thinking of signing up?

“It’s a great organization—join ASAP! Louisa had a wonderful first summer with her Special Olympics team and we can't wait to see what's next.”

You can support Special Olympics athletes like Louisa by making a donation this June 12-22 at participating Empire Family of Brands stores including: Sobeys, Safeway, Ontario Foodland, Atlantic Foodland and participating CO-OPs, IGA West, Thrifty Foods, Lawtons Drugs and Needs Convenience stores.

Learn more: www.specialolympics.ca/Empire