Meet the Finalists for the 2026 National Awards Night


Every year, we come together to celebrate the heart and soul of Special Olympics Canada—our extraordinary athletes, dedicated coaches, and selfless volunteers from coast to coast to coast. These champions exemplify the true spirit of inclusion, determination, excellence and sportsmanship that defines our movement.
The 2026 Special Olympics Canada Awards Night will be co-hosted by TSN’s Lindsay Hamilton and Special Olympics athlete Janie McGraw! Together, they’ll lead us through an unforgettable evening celebrating the achievements and impact of our incredible community.
We’ll also be joined by some special guests, including TSN’s Jesse Pollock, Jermain Franklin, Marissa Roberto, Raegan Subban and Jennifer Hedger.
Join us as we celebrate our Athletes of the Year, Coaches of the Year, Team of the Year and so much more!
Meet the Finalists
Jim Thompson Volunteer of the Year Award
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Connie Biro
Special Olympics Alberta -

Jenny Tyler
Special Olympics Nova Scotia -

Lee Chic
Special Olympics British Columbia -

Samantha Damiani
Special Olympics Ontario
Coach of the Year Award
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Amanda Dobler
Special Olympics Alberta -

Blain Fuller
Special Olympics Alberta -

Danielle Piperno
Olympiques Speciaux Québec -

Danny Ouelette
Special Olympics Ontario -

Donna White
Special Olympics Nova Scotia -

Saige Beaumont
Special Olympics British Columbia
Rising Star Coach of the Year Award
-

Abigail Vivian
Special Olympics Nova Scotia -

Ally Cleary
Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador -

Garreth Morgan
Special Olympics Ontario
Frank Selke Jr. Fundraising Volunteer of the Year Award
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Éric-Olivier Savoie & Florence Arnould-Lalonde
Olympiques Speciaux Québec -

Liz Smashnuk
Special Olympics Alberta -

Todd Watson
Special Olympics Nova Scotia
Athlete Community Excellence Award
-

Brett Griffiths
Special Olympics Manitoba -

Coralie Desbiens
Olympiques Speciaux Québec -

Dylan Balmaceda
Special Olympics Nova Scotia -

Melissa Strowbridge
Special Olympics Alberta
Team of the Year Award
-

Almaguin Legion 405
Special Olympics Ontario -

Gander Eagles
Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador -

Koalas
Special Olympics Alberta -

Sackville Bedford Bravehearts
Special Olympics Nova Scotia
Athlete of the Year Award
-

Brock Jesse
Special Olympics Alberta -

Cory Duhaime
Special Olympics British Columbia -

Donald Kendall
Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador -

Floressa Harris
Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador -

Jaclyn Zimmerman
Special Olympics Alberta -

Lisa Perry
Special Olympics British Columbia -

Olivier Martel
Olympiques Speciaux Québec -

Yanhong Dewan
Special Olympics Ontario