National Games

In much the same way as the Olympics and the Paralympics, the global Special Olympics movement follows a four year cycle that gives athletes a chance to showcase their skills on the world stage.

Before the World Games, it starts in the thousands of towns, cities, and other regions across Canada that host Special Olympics programming.

Provincial Games are run across the country and are open to athletes from neighbouring provinces/territories which do not have Games of their own. For example, athletes from Yukon may join the Provincials in British Columbia, or multiple chapters may work together to host their Games. Athletes and teams who do well in these Provincial Games may be chosen to move on to Nationals.

Special Olympics Canada works with local organizing committees to host National Games every two years, once for Summer and again for Winter, each offering different sports. The National Games bring together athletes, coaches and volunteers from the across the country into one celebration of the Special Olympics movement and showcasing the incredible skills of the Canadian athletes.