Meet Athlete Ambassador, Mure Imasogie | Empire Family of Brands Fundraising Campaign 2025

Mure Imasogie discovered Special Olympics in 2023, and it’s been making a powerful difference in his life ever since. Introduced to the program by his teacher, Mr. Mike Daly, Mure jumped into sports like floor hockey and bocce—and found strength, friendship, and belonging along the way. His favourite activity? “Floor ball.”

And the best part about being a Special Olympics athlete? “I have fun with my friends and it makes me feel strong,” he shares.

Mure’s proudest moment was receiving a medal at his first-ever bocce tournament in 2023. That sense of achievement was more than just a win—it was a spark of self-belief that continues to grow.

Special Olympics has also had a profound impact on Mure’s family. “Special Olympics has touched our lives very positively,” says his mom, Shirley. “As a mom, I had a lot of anxiety about my son’s future. However, Mure’s participation and the strength displayed by him and his teammates gradually led me to see beyond his disability and trust him more. This lessens my anxiety for his future.”

Mure also participated in Special Olympics Healthy Athletes at the Ontario School Championships, including the Health Promotion discipline where he learned about healthy eating and lifestyle choices—an initiative supported by Empire. These lessons support his growing independence and are reinforced at home with healthy snacks like his favourite, cucumber slices and peanut butter.

When asked what he’d like to say to Empire and all the customers making donations, Mure’s words are simple and sincere: “Thank you everyone!”

As Shirley shares, “Experiencing Special Olympics has changed my son’s life. It made him believe in himself and strengthened his already blossoming independence.”

For families considering Special Olympics, her advice is clear: “Do it!”

You can support Special Olympics athletes like Mure 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