Meet Athlete Ambassadors, Rhyker Evanishen-Menzies | Empire Family of Brands Fundraising Campaign 2026

Before Rhyker Evanishen-Menzies ever participated in a sport with Special Olympics, his family first saw the organization in action at a local community floor ball event. 

Rhyker’s dad was playing on an adult team who happened to have a friendly face off against a local Special Olympics youth team — and what stood out most was not the score, but the atmosphere around the game: the energy, encouragement, and support between athletes, coaches, families and the broader community. 

Not long after, Rhyker joined the team himself. 

At the time, the Prince Albert athlete was only eight years old and had recently been diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. For his family, there were a lot of unknowns about what the future would look like — including how sport would continue to fit into Rhyker’s life. 

Instead of uncertainty, they found acceptance. 

Now ten years old, Rhyker looks forward to floor ball every week — especially games against some of his favourite rival teams. 

“My favourite thing is playing against the Prince Albert Raiders, Mintos, and other organizations,” Rhyker says. “I like that everyone is so supportive of each other, and scoring goals.” 

For Melissa, one of the biggest changes since joining Special Olympics has been watching Rhyker’s development both as an athlete and as an individual. 

That growth is exactly why this year’s Empire Family of Brands in-store fundraising campaign message — “Every best is personal” — resonates deeply with their family and so many others. Success is not always measured in goals scored or games won, but in confidence gained, connections built and being part of a team where everyone pushes each other forward and celebrates what each person brings to the game. 

That sense of belonging has extended far beyond the rink. 

“We have all appreciated the acceptance of not only Rhyker but our whole family in the Special Olympics community,” Melissa says. “We also love how Special Olympics has brought in local teams and organizations — those games bring joy into Rhyker’s week.” 

That is also why they hope Canadians will support Special Olympics athletes during this year’s Empire Family of Brands campaign. 

From June 11 to 21, customers visiting participating Empire Family of Brands stores across Canada can donate $2 at checkout to help support Special Olympics athletes like Rhyker — helping create more opportunities for children, youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to experience sport, confidence, friendship and community. 

When asked what he would like to say to Empire Family of Brands teammates and customers supporting Special Olympics athletes across Canada, Rhyker’s message reflects the impact the organization has had on his life.