Special Olympics
Special Olympics Sarnia-Lambton provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for people with intellectual disabilities, promoting inclusion, respect, and dignity through coach-led and volunteer-supported programs. The organization runs local training, Unified Sports and school participation initiatives, and coordinates fundraising and volunteer efforts to support athlete development. Recent campaigns focus on fundraising drives and matched donations to help cover travel, training, uniforms, and event participation for Team Ontario athletes.
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Last updated on Feb 8th, 2026
Recent Activity
Special Olympics donation match campaign
Special Olympics is running a matched donation campaign through June 21, 2026, where every dollar you give is matched dollar for dollar. Small gifts, including $2 at checkout, count toward a $1.5 million goal, and you can learn more or donate at soontar.io/sobeys.
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Raise $1.5 million for Special Olympics athletes
From June 11 to June 21, 2026 shoppers can donate at checkout at Sobeys, Safeway Canada, and Foodland to help raise $1.5 million for Special Olympics athletes. Every $2 donated supports a full day of activities and gifts will be matched up to $500,000, amplifying each contribution during the campaign.
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Become a Fan
Special Olympics is asking supporters to join Become a Fan to directly fund Team Ontario athletes, covering travel, accommodations, meals, training opportunities, and uniforms. Donate online at https://soontar.io/becomeafan to be part of the team as athletes prepare for August.
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2026 Provincial School Championships arrival notice
Special Olympics says 1,000 athletes and educators are arriving in London in just a few days for the 2026 Provincial School Championships, and the organization is asking the community to help welcome them. For more details and ways to get involved visit soontar.io/draftaschool.
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Legacy of floor hockey celebration
Special Olympics Ontario held a celebration in Newmarket to honor decades of floor hockey and the athletes, coaches, volunteers, and families who built that legacy. The update also notes the organization beginning a new chapter with floorball and links to a full story with milestones and reflections.
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Become a Fan fundraising campaign
Special Olympics is asking supporters to join the Become a Fan fundraising campaign to help Team Ontario athletes travel to Medicine Hat this summer. Contributions go toward preparation and removing financial barriers, and you can donate now at https://soontar.io/becomeafan.
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Passing of Dr. Frank Hayden
Special Olympics announced the passing of Dr. Frank Hayden on 2026-05-20, honoring his pioneering work that led to the creation of the Special Olympics worldwide. Cody Jansma, President and CEO of Special Olympics Ontario, called Dr. Hayden's compassion and vision a legacy that will inspire generations, and the organization links to a dedicated legacy page for further reflection.
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2026 School Championships participation drive
Special Olympics invites volunteers and supporters to Draft A School so entire schools can take part in the 2026 School Championships, a Unified Sports initiative that brings students of all abilities together. Start the process online at the Draft A School link to help your school join and support inclusive athletics.
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School participation donation campaign
Support Special Olympics school participation efforts with a donation that the campaign says will directly fund inclusive athletics for students. The appeal highlights roughly 1,000 athletes and states that 100% of donations help fund school participation, with a link to give at soontar.io/draftaschool.
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Become a Fan program
Special Olympics invites supporters to join the Become a Fan program to help Team Ontario athletes prepare for the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games. Donations fund training camps, travel, meals, accommodations, and uniforms; learn more or give at https://soontar.io/becomeafan.
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Kin Club of Russell Catch the Ace jackpot fundraiser
The Kin Club of Russell Catch the Ace jackpot has reached $35,000, with the next draw set for Sunday, May 3, 2026. You can direct your ticket purchase to Special Olympics Ontario by selecting charity number 21; get tickets and details at russellkincta.ca.
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Volunteer spotlight — Kyle Harrison
Special Olympics spotlights Kyle Harrison from South Simcoe, who has coached five different sports across three communities and has served since 2006, totaling 19 years. Published April 26, 2026, the piece thanks longtime volunteers and aims to inspire others to support inclusive sport programs in Ontario.
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10-year volunteer milestone and athlete impact story
Lisa O'Kane of North Bay marks 10 years of volunteering with Special Olympics and is serving as Mission Staff for Team Ontario at the 2026 Special Olympics National Games. The update spotlights volunteer driven moments, including an athlete who took a first airplane trip, danced at the Opening Ceremonies, and earned a bronze medal.
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Volunteer spotlight: 18 years of service
Special Olympics honors volunteer Ellen Simpson for 18 years of service to the Burlington community, celebrating her work promoting acceptance and inclusion. The spotlight shares her reflections on watching athletes carry sports built confidence into school and work, and invites the community to thank her on the original post.
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Volunteer spotlight: Leni Johnston
Special Olympics Ontario spotlights Huronia volunteer Leni Johnston, who has dedicated over 20 years to supporting athletes and treasures the joy she sees when athletes master new skills or cross finish lines. The organization invites the community to read her reflections and drop a comment to thank her for her service.
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14-year supporter appreciation
Special Olympics spotlights Sarah Dereski, a 14 year supporter from the Dufferin and LETR Ontario communities, celebrating her favorite moments of watching athletes grow and handing out medals. The post, published April 23 2026, invites readers to leave a thank you comment for her steady years of service and the joy she brings to practices and events.
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Volunteer recognition — Michelle Cundari
Special Olympics is honoring Michelle Cundari from North Bay for more than ten years of volunteer service and for helping Athlete Ambassadors prepare for the 2027 Provincial Games in North Bay. The post shares Michelle's favorite memories and invites the community to leave a thank you in the comments.
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Toronto FC Unified Team tryouts
Special Olympics and Toronto FC are holding tryouts for the 2026 Toronto FC Unified Team at the BMO Training Grounds on May 3 and May 9. Eligible Special Olympics athletes ages 16 to 25 and Unified partners ages 16 to 21 need to attend only one session to be considered, and spots are strictly limited; register at soontar.io/tfc-TRYOUT.
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Volunteer spotlight and organizational milestone
Special Olympics marks over 30 years of community impact with a volunteer spotlight on Laura Woodall from Belleville and Quinte West. The post shares Laura's favourite memory from the 2012 Games in St. Albert and invites supporters to leave messages of gratitude.
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National Volunteer Week recognition
Special Olympics is marking National Volunteer Week with a weeklong series of volunteer spotlights across Ontario starting on April 20, 2026. Follow Special Olympics channels for daily stories that highlight how local and provincial volunteers help athletes thrive and belong.
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Kin Club of Russell Catch the Ace draw
The first Kin Club of Russell Catch the Ace draw takes place on Sunday, April 19, 2026. Buy tickets at russellkincta.ca and choose #21 Special Olympics Ontario to support Unified Champion Schools programs and help build more inclusive school communities across the province.
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Unified Team Coaching Positions
Special Olympics Ontario and Toronto FC are recruiting a Head Coach, Assistant Coach, and Team Manager for their Unified Team competing in the 2026 MLS Unified Home and Home Series against the New England Revolution. Applicants must apply by April 24, 2026, be available for tryouts and practices in May, July, and August, and have a valid passport for a two night US away game. Apply at https://soontar.io/tfc-coach.
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Women’s Empowerment panel post
Special Olympics highlighted a Women’s Empowerment panel hosted by national partner MNP that featured Special Olympics Ontario athlete and Board Member Julia Romualdi, inviting the community to hear her story and show support by leaving a heart in the comments. The post was published on 2026-04-02 and centers on representation in sports for women and people with an intellectual disability.
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Women's Empowerment Panel recap
Special Olympics posted a recap on March 26, 2026 of a Women's Empowerment Panel hosted with national partner MNP, featuring Julia Romualdi and Kirsten Eastwood. The speakers shared stories about everyday activism, unlocking potential, and creating access to opportunities, with an emphasis on allyship and inclusion.
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International Women's Day solidarity message
Special Olympics posted a solidarity message on March 8 2026 for International Women's Day, honoring athletes, coaches, and volunteers who are building a more unified and inclusive Ontario in sport. The organization urged communities to continue supporting and uplifting women to secure a brighter future for female participation and leadership.
