Meet Employee Athlete Ambassadors, Bill Smith | Empire Family of Brands Fundraising Campaign 2026

Long before Bill Smith became a valued teammate at his local Sobeys store in Cambridge, Ontario, he first found that sense of belonging through Special Olympics. 

He joined the movement in 1985 after moving into community living in Cambridge — and nearly 40 years later, Special Olympics remains one of the most important and consistent parts of his life. 

For Bill, sport was never only about medals or competition. It was about becoming part of something bigger than himself. 

That mindset has shaped nearly every part of his life since. 

Today, Bill competes in swimming, 10-pin bowling, and basketball while also working at Sobeys, where he has spent the past 33 years maintaining the store and supporting customer experience by collecting carts, helping to carry baskets, and working alongside coworkers he now considers family. 

Over the years, Special Olympics gave Bill opportunities he once never imagined for himself, and the confidence to push himself further as both an athlete and individual. 

“I’ve had the opportunity to travel, make friends, feel confident and proud,” Bill says.  

One of the most memorable moments of his athletic career was winning a gold medal at the Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015 — competing alongside thousands of athletes from around the world.  

“All my hard work showed me that I can achieve my goals.”  

But for Bill, success has never been measured only by results. 

That perspective is exactly why this year’s Empire Family of Brands in-store fundraising campaign message — “Every best is personal” — feels so meaningful to him to be an ambassador for. 

Over nearly four decades with Special Olympics, Bill says the organization has helped him grow in confidence, independence and discover many new personal bests. 

“It has changed my life by helping me grow, belong and believe in myself.”  

That same sense of belonging is something he has also found in the workplace. 

His coworkers at Sobeys have always supported him throughout his athletic endeavours — asking about competitions, cheering for hisaccomplishments, and even attending his homecoming celebration after returning from Special Olympics World. 

“It was incredibly special when coworkers came to my Olympic party after I won gold.”  

For Bill, inclusion is about more than simply being welcomed into a space. 

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 Bill — helping create more opportunities for children, youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to experience sport, confidence, friendship and community. 

As both a Sobeys teammate and longtime Special Olympics athlete, he understands firsthand the impact community support can have. 

“The donations our customers generously make help athletes train, compete, and grow,” he says. “We hope you’ll join our team and help more athletes experience the power of Special Olympics.” 

Because there’s nothing quite like being part of a team.