About Special Olympics Canada

• Special Olympics Canada is dedicated to enriching the lives of Canadians with an intellectual disability through sport.
• It is a national not-for-profit grassroots organization that provides sport training and competition opportunities for 31,000 athletes of all ages and abilities.
• More than 10,000 certified volunteer coaches are currently involved with Special Olympics programs every day in virtually every community nationwide.
• Special Olympics Canada has been part of a world-wide organization for over 30 years.
• Special Olympics Canada National Games are held every two years, alternating between Summer and Winter Games with World Games being held in the year following National Games.
• Special Olympics Canada's programs are supported by corporate sponsorship, fundraising activities, government funding, individual donors and the involvement of volunteers in communities across the country.
• Special Olympics Canada is structured into regional, provincial and national programs and competitions. SOC athletes also have the opportunity to participate along with more than 150 other countries in Special Olympics World Summer and Winter Games alternating every two years
• 75% of all funds raised for Special Olympics Canada remain in the provinces where they are raised.

Official Special Olympics Canada Sports

Winter Sports

• Alpine Skiing
• Cross Country Skiing
• Curling
• Figure Skating
• Floor Hockey
• Snowshoeing
• Speed Skating

Summer Sports

• Aquatics
• Athletics (Track & Field)
• Bowling (5 & 10 Pin)
• Power-lifting
• Rhythmic Gymnastics
• Soccer
• Softball

Note that Special Olympics and the Paralympics are two separate and distinct organizations. Curious about the difference between the two?

Special Olympics and Paralympics are two separate organizations recognized by the International Olympic Committee. The principal differences between the two lie in the disability of participating athletes and levels of sports ability.

In addition, Special Olympics is the only organization that the International Olympic Committee has given permission to use the word "Olympics."

Link to Special Olympics Canada Web-site