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This is the January edition of the Coaches Newsletter that is shared with coaches, educators and volunteers. | | |
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Tim Hortons Campaign
February 2nd - 4th
Special Olympics Ontario has once again partnered with Tim Hortons to create the limited edition Special Olympics Donut.
Learn more by scrolling down!
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24h Blue Mountain
February 24th - 25th
Sixth annual 24h BLUE MTN is a fantastic team relay fundraising event to benefit Special Olympics and the Collingwood General & Marine Hospital Foundation.
Learn more by scrolling down!
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Polar Plunge
January - April
Calling all do-gooders with a little courage and a warm heart willing to get cold and creative for a worthy cause.
Learn more by scrolling down!
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Up Your Game Coaching Webinar
February 7th
Brought to you by Special Olympics Canada, the Up Your Game Webinar Series will cover the basics to help community coaches feel comfortable and confident in their programs!
Learn more by scrolling down!
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Athlete of the Month: Yazmine Wilson-Daponte
Yazmine Wilson-Daponte has been an athlete with Special Olympics for 10 years, and during that time, she has participated in numerous sports such as Athletics, Basketball, Bocce, Curling, Soccer, and Swimming...
Click here to read more about Yazmine's journey
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Breaking Barriers on Ice:
Sarah Thomas
I'm Tracey Thomas, and together with my husband Jeff and daughters Sarah and Rebecca, we've been on a journey that has defied our expectations, challenged our preconceptions, and filled our lives with profound joy...
Click here to read more about Sarah's journey.
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It’s the time of the year when you can eat as many donuts as you want without feeling guilty!
The Tim Hortons Special Olympics Donut campaign is happening from February 2nd to 4th, and we're counting on our fantastic SOO community to help spread the word and, of course, enjoy some delicious donuts!
This Tim’s campaign is truly remarkable, with 100% of the proceeds from donut sales directly benefiting local Special Olympics community programs. Your support goes a long way in assisting thousands of athletes with intellectual disabilities across Ontario and Canada.
While all Tim Hortons outlets are expected to offer the Special Olympics Donuts, it's advisable to secure your desired location by filling out a pre-order request form or by calling the desired location. (Click on the button below to pre-order)
What to help spread the word about the campaign? Share the available social graphics featured on the landing page to make this campaign a sweet success!
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We are very pleased to be back at the beautiful Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood, for the 6th annual 24h BLUE MTN Ski and Snowboard Relay – taking place the weekend of February 24th-25th, 2024.
This is an exciting fundraising opportunity, as 75% of all funds raised online by SOO registered teams will be sent back to your Community or Club!
This year, we have made two changes to make it easier for our SOO teams to participate and benefit from this opportunity:
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Fundraise to waive your registration fee! The cost to ski or snowboard in this event is a $175 registration fee and a $175 fundraising minimum - this year you have the option to fundraise your registration fee! There is no upfront cost to register, just a commitment to fundraise a minimum of $350.
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We are bringing back the popular Run/Walk relay! Not a skier or snowboarder but want to fundraise for your community and come spend a fun weekend at Blue Mountain Resort? Register to participate in the 24hr Run/Walk relay of the 1km route throughout the village, for just a $150 fundraising commitment.
All you must do to partake in this opportunity is register at 24hbluemtn.ca, and then email Anna Creighton at annac@specialolympicsontario.com and let us know the name of your team and which SOO Community or Club you are fundraising for.
See you on the slopes!
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The Season for Freezin' is Near! | |
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Calling all do-gooders with a little courage and a warm heart willing to get cold and creative for a worthy cause.
Every year, the Polar Plunge unites thousands of warm-hearted individuals from all corners of the province in a fantastic endeavour to plunge into icy waters in support of Special Olympics Ontario.
This incredible event hosted by the Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run, is a dynamic platform for individuals, organizations, and businesses to contribute to a worthy cause.
All proceeds raised during this freezing feat are funnelled into essential programs and events benefitting an impressive 23,000 Special Olympics athletes spread across Ontario. What's more, a commendable 75% of the funds raised by registered athletes and volunteers directly benefit your community.
Ready to dive in? The more you raise, the more exciting prizes you can snag! Yeti mugs, snug bathrobes, or even a $1500 Air Canada gift card – it's all within your grasp. Click the button below to uncover more about these rewarding incentives!
Don't miss the chance to be part of the excitement. Take the plunge in your local community and drum up support for Special Olympics Ontario. For additional information and to find the nearest plunge location, simply click on the button below.
(Plunges will be added throughout the season so keep checking!)
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Find your nearest plunge: | |
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We are excited to announce the District Training Teams for the upcoming 2024 Provincial Spring Games! These Provincial Games will be hosted by the Waterloo Regional Police Service from May 23rd - 26th, 2024.
Of the over 700 athletes set to compete, almost 500 were training for the 2020 Provincial Spring Games that were cancelled due to the pandemic, finally they are getting their chance to shine! These athletes and coaches will be training hard over the next seven months to compete in five diverse and exciting sports: basketball, powerlifting, rhythmic gymnastics, swimming, and 10-pin bowling. These Games are the pinnacle of competition for Special Olympics athletes in Ontario and a celebration of their incredible abilities.
From these Provincial Spring Games, athletes will be looking to earn a spot on Team Ontario and will compete at the 2026 National Summer Games set to be hosted in Medicine Hat, AB. If you see District Training Team members out and about in your community – wish them luck!
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2024 Waterloo Region Spring Games – Central Ontario Spotlight
Central Ontario is bringing a strong contingent to the 2024 Waterloo Region Provincial Spring Games, with 101 athletes and 28 coaches all set to participate!
The lineup includes 9 athletes showcasing their skills in 10 Pin Bowling, 49 hitting the courts for Basketball, 4 demonstrating their rhythmic prowess, and 39 making waves in Swimming! For a comprehensive list of all participating athletes, visit provincialgames.com/district-teams.
This month, we're thrilled to shine a spotlight on some outstanding individuals. Meet Samantha Damiani from Newmarket & Area, Steve Caban from Peterborough, Mlungisi Cele from South Simcoe, Brad Burns from Barrie, and Laura Conquest from Owen Sound & Area!
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Draft an Athlete for the Provincial Games!
Be a part of an athlete's achievement! Be a part of a draft that celebrates inclusion and diversity! Donate today to help an athlete achieve their dreams and compete at the 2024 Provincial Spring Games.
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Special Olympics 2024 Calgary Games Updates | |
The Calgary Games are 32 Days away! | |
Get ready to dive into all things Calgary 2024 and stay in the loop with the latest updates!
Subscribe to our Team O 2024 Calgary newsletter for more in-depth details about the games, athlete profiles, venue information, and much more.
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Help Promote Our 2024 Calgary Games Athletes! | |
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Help us champion our 2023 Calgary Games athletes on their remarkable journey to greatness by posting on social media!
By promoting our athletes through the social media content that we provide, you can help raise vital funds that will help pay for uniforms, training camps, and travel costs.
These talented athletes have their sights set on achieving their dreams, and together, we can make it possible.
Steps on How to Post
Access the Google Drive Folder:
Click the button below to access the Google Drive folder holding the Calgary Games athlete promotions.
Download Graphics:
Once inside the Google Drive folder, select the community you are from and browse the contents to find the graphics you want to share.
Right-click on the graphic you want to download and select "Download" to save it to your device.
Captions:
Inside the same Google Drive folder, captions are also included.
Locate the caption that you like the most.
Create Your Post:
Access the posting interface on the social media platform.
Upload the downloaded graphic using the camera or image icon.
Paste the caption you've prepared in the text field.
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Calgary merch is here!
Our collection includes everything from snug hoodies to trendy beanies – the perfect gifts for both athletes and their biggest fans. Embrace winter in Team O fashion!
Don't miss out – February 15th is the last day to order.
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Check out our team roster!
Get ready to be inspired by the exceptional athletes from Team Ontario as they prepare to compete in the 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Calgary.
Meet Team Ontario's Athletes by clicking on the link below.
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Help support our athletes headed to the games!
Introducing our "Become a Fan" program – a unique opportunity for you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our dedicated athletes. By contributing to this program, you can be a vital part of our mission to eliminate financial barriers and ensure every athlete has an equal opportunity to participate.
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Up Your Game Coaching Webinar Series | |
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Brought to you by Special Olympics Canada, the Up Your Game Webinar Series will cover the basics to help community coaches feel comfortable and confident in their programs!
This webinar will take place via Zoom on Feb 7, 2024 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
We refer to the participants in our sport programs as athletes. In addition to that, they have unlimited potential to demonstrate leadership and be leaders.
Don't miss this unique webinar on empowering coaches to nurture leadership in Special Olympics athletes. Gain practical tips, strategies, and inspiration to help these athletes become exceptional leaders in and out of sport.
About the facilitator:
Glenn Cundari is the founder and lead coach developer at COACH+, a company designed to support sport organizations in effectively developing their coaches. Having supported coaches in over a dozen sports and 20 countries, he brings a unique perspective to coaching and coach development.
Glenn is a Master Coach Developer in the National Coach Certification Program (NCCP) and brings an impressive breadth and depth of experience in the Special Olympics context. He is a local coach in his community, has been a provincial coach in Ontario, and was the Head Coach of Special Olympics Team Canada at the 2019 world games and, again, for the 2023 World Games in Berlin in the sport of Golf.
Note: Coaches in attendance will receive 1 PD point towards Maintenance of Certification
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SOC Competition Coach Course Calendar | |
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Click On Locations to Register!
The SOC Competition Course is designed to prepare coaches for local, district, or provincial competition with the primary focus on safety, fun, fitness, fundamentals, and performance as well as basic skills of the sport. This is a required training for volunteers interested in participating in Provincial or National Games.
SOO will be hosting a number of training opportunities this fall:
Click on the location to register!
January 29, 5 & 12 - Virtual
February 4 – Richmond Hill, ON
March 19, 21 & 26 – Virtual
March 23 – Sudbury, ON
March 24 – Beamsville, ON
April 7 – Kingston, ON
SOO also offers sport specific training for coaches in certain disciplines. In these modules, coaches are provided training and education to work in a community or competitive sport program environment. The education and training are intended to provide the coach with the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities and attitudes needed to coach within a Special Olympics environment. SOO is offering 1 upcoming course:
Floor Hockey – February 4, Toronto, ON
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Join Our Special Olympics Ontario Social Media Network! | |
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Discover the power of the SOO Social Media Community!
Join our bi-monthly email newsletter (starting in January) to access a community of amazing resources. From insights to interactive webinars and a thriving network, we've got your social media journey covered. Whether you're an individual or managing your community's social accounts, our community is here to support your growth and success!
To sign up, click the button below!
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Need a Gift Card To Support Your Next Event? | |
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Just a reminder that we have gift cards that can be used to support your events. Both Tim’s and Sobey’s have asked that we do not directly make financial requests to their stores. The protocol is to go through Special Olympics Canada. These terrific sponsor relationships need to be managed accordingly.
If you are interested, you must fill out a request form which you can access by clicking on the button below!
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JANUARY 27TH
Sarnia - Basketball
Sudbury - Floor Hockey
Ingersoll - Curling
FEBRUARY 3RD
Toronto - Floor Hockey
Durham - Basketball
FEBRUARY 10TH
Burlington - Floor Hockey
Stratford - Floor Hockey
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FEBRUARY 17TH
York South - Tenpin
FEBRUARY 18TH
Toronto - Speedskating
FEBRUARY 24TH
Peterborough - Basketball
Stratford - Basketball
FEBRUARY 25TH
Welland - 5 Pin
Collingwood - Pickleball
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For the chance to have your athletes' Special Olympics stories featured in a future newsletter, social media post, or campaign, submit your information on our Athlete Profile Form!
Fill out your information, tell us your story, and submit a photo of you participating in Special Olympics, or include a headshot.
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Looking to stop receiving these emails? Please be sure to read below:
Please note that clicking the unsubscribe link below will remove you from ALL newsletters and emails from Special Olympics Ontario - this means all communications related to Special Olympics Ontario and Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run, including related major games, events and updates etc. If you only want to be removed from the Coaches Newsletter - please click here to let us know.
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