Special Olympics
Special Olympics Sarnia-Lambton is the local chapter of Special Olympics Ontario delivering year-round sports training, coach-led practices, and athletic competitions for people with intellectual disabilities in Sarnia-Lambton. The organization also offers health initiatives such as vision screenings and mental wellness programming to support athletes holistic wellbeing. It promotes inclusion, leadership development, and community participation through volunteer-driven programs, school partnerships, and fundraising to expand opportunities for athletes.
🕰️ Organization Hours:
Last updated on Feb 8th, 2026
Recent Activity
Angela Nixon recognized as 2026 Educator of the Year
Special Olympics recognizes Angela Nixon as the 2026 Educator of the Year for her 18 years of leadership as a Unified Champion Schools Coach. She also holds the 2024 Special Olympics Ottawa Educator of the Year and the 2026 Equity in Education Award, underscoring her long term commitment to inclusion and education leadership.
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2026 Rising Star Coach of the Year — Garreth Morgan
Special Olympics announced Garreth Morgan as the 2026 Rising Star Coach of the Year on 2026-10-21, recognizing his rise from volunteer to Head Coach for the Brantford team. He is honored for developing tailored practice plans that deliver focused instruction and strong rapport with athletes and parents.
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2026 Athlete of the Year announcement
Special Olympics has named Yanhong Dewan its 2026 Athlete of the Year, honoring her provincial medals in Gymnastics, Snowshoeing, and Swimming and a National Gold in Snowshoeing. She will represent Team Ontario in Rhythmic Gymnastics at the 2026 National Summer Games in Medicine Hat, a recognition of years of competition that began when she was 10.
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Coach of the Year announcement
Special Olympics honors Danny Ouellette as the 2026 Coach of the Year for his leadership in launching SO Ottawa Powerlifting in 2018 and for fostering an inclusive athlete centered program. He previously served as Co DTM for Eastern Ontario at the 2025 Summer Provincial Games and will serve as Head Coach for Team Ontario Powerlifting at the 2026 National Summer Games.
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Strong Minds Program
Strong Minds is a Special Olympics program showcased on World Mental Health Day that provides athletes with stress management, coping skills, and mental wellness education. The initiative emphasizes resilience, self confidence, and practical tools to support athletes mental wellbeing in sport and daily life.
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Opening Eyes vision health program
On World Sight Day the Special Olympics highlighted Opening Eyes, a health program offering vision screenings, eye health education, and access to follow up care and eyewear for athletes. The update emphasizes early identification of vision challenges to help athletes access necessary care and build healthier, more confident futures.
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Ace Raffle Jackpot Fundraiser
The Ace Raffle Jackpot Fundraiser is promoting a $397,000 jackpot while raising money for Special Olympics Ontario. Buy tickets at russellkincta.ca and choose charity code #21 to direct your contribution to Unified Champion Schools programs.
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Statement on reconciliation and Indigenous sport inclusion
Special Olympics Ontario published a statement on 2026-09-30 affirming a continued commitment to reconciliation and to extending Indigenous culturally relevant sport opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Cody Jansma, President and CEO, emphasizes relationship building, following the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action, and a focus on infrastructure and partnerships to support lasting growth.
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Concussion Awareness Week and Rowan’s Law Day campaign
Special Olympics is running a Concussion Awareness Week and Rowan's Law Day campaign focused on recognizing, preventing, and properly managing concussions. The initiative encourages athletes and supporters to learn concussion signs, speak up when something does not feel right, and follow return to play protocols; click the link in the bio for more information.
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Guardians Run 2026
Guardians Run 2026 invites runners, walkers, and supporters to join on October 17, 2026 to raise funds for Special Olympics Ontario. Register at guardiansrun.com to secure your spot and take part in a community driven event that supports athletes across the province.
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Joy Is Gold campaign announcement
Special Olympics, together with Special Olympics Canada and Special Olympics Ontario, announced the Joy Is Gold campaign to name and share moments of belonging and triumph. The campaign highlights that over 23,000 athletes across Ontario experience this joy daily and invites the public to join the conversation using #JoyIsGold.
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Unified Champion Schools Soccer season kicks off
Special Olympics reports the Unified Champion Schools Soccer season begins this week across Ontario, with about 200 schools participating in 30 soccer competitions over the next month. The program brings students with and without intellectual disabilities together to promote inclusive sport and youth leadership in school communities.
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Thank-you post about Ontario Cup attendance
Special Olympics posted a thank you note on 2026-09-22 after an epic weekend at the Ontario Cup, expressing appreciation to Ontario Soccer and participants. The brief celebratory message highlights community teamwork and gratitude following the event.
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Unified Leadership Training
Special Olympics Ontario reports that its Board of Directors participated in Unified Leadership Training with the Ontario Athlete Leadership Council on September 22, 2026, focusing on shared leadership and keeping athlete voices central to decisions. The brief mission update highlights strengthened partnerships and a renewed commitment to an inclusive future where perspectives are valued.
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Special Olympics Coaching Recruitment
Special Olympics is recruiting volunteer coaches, with softball coaching called out and Robert Drury featured as an example of the role's impact. Volunteers are invited to learn more on the Special Olympics website to find signup and training information.
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National Coaches Week announcement
Special Olympics marks National Coaches Week with a weeklong expression of thanks to coaches who inspire and encourage athletes. The organization invites the community to celebrate these coaches from 2026-09-14 to 2026-09-20 with messages of appreciation and recognition.
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Swim meet highlights and athlete personal bests
Special Olympics shared a celebratory recap on September 9, 2026 noting that swimmers pushed hard and set new personal bests, with highlight photos available to view. The short post emphasizes effort and progress and invites readers to swipe through images of the races and celebrations.
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Diamond game celebration
Special Olympics shared a celebratory update titled Diamond game celebration on September 8, 2026, highlighting big hits, great catches, and endless high fives on the field. The brief post captures the joyful spirit of the game and points to the organization for photos or follow up details.
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Soccer tournament celebration
Special Olympics celebrated a successful soccer tournament on 2026-09-07, praising outstanding goals, tight defense, and team spirit while singling out Team Ontario. The post is a warm recognition of the athletes and their efforts on the pitch.
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Rhythmic Gymnastics performance at National Summer Games
Special Olympics posted a celebratory highlight of Rhythmic Gymnastics at the National Summer Games, noting that athletes captivated the audience with breathtaking routines on September 6, 2026. The short post emphasizes grace, rhythm, and spectacular performances, and points readers to Special Olympics channels for further coverage and athlete information.
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Powerlifting team national performance announcement
Special Olympics announced on 2026-09-05 that their Powerlifting team demonstrated remarkable strength, determination, and grit on the national stage. The short update celebrates athletes achievements and invites community support while noting further details may come from Special Olympics channels.
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Golf competitors congratulations
Special Olympics congratulates its golf competitors for outstanding performances this summer, celebrating great drives, tough putts, and the athletes unmatched spirit on the greens. This brief post is a community shout out and a prompt to follow Special Olympics for photos and future updates about their golf program.
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$315,000 Jackpot Raffle for Unified Champion Schools
Support Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools by entering the $315,000 Jackpot Raffle, with the next draw on Sunday, September 6, 2026. Purchase tickets online at russellkincta.ca and select #21 Special Olympics at checkout so your ticket proceeds fund inclusive classroom and community programs.
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Team Ontario Bocce summer performance highlight
Special Olympics celebrated Team Ontario Bocce for a summer of precise, strategic, and focused play, praising athletes for their skill and sportsmanship. This short highlight honors the team and their competitive achievements from the season.
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Team Ontario Basketball tournament wrap-up
Special Olympics posted a wrap up celebrating Team Ontario Basketball on 2026-09-02, spotlighting teamwork, clutch shots, and high energy as the athletes concluded their tournament. The brief update highlights team spirit and memorable on court moments, and directs followers to Special Olympics channels for further details.
