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Community Connect Newsletter |
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This is the February edition of the Community Connect Newsletter that is shared with our whole Special Olympics Ontario community. | | |
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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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2024 National Winter Games
February 27th - March 2nd
Our Team Ontario athletes are gearing up to go to the National Games in Calgary at the end of the month.
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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Athlete of the Month: Gael Shindano
Meet Gael Shindano, a dedicated Special Olympics athlete from Ottawa, Ontario. With 12 years of participation in athletics, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and swimming, Gael cherishes ...
Click here to read more about Gael's journey
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Char-Lan High School: Fostering Unity and Inclusivity Through Special Olympics
Nestled in Williamstown, Ontario, Char-Lan High School is a small rural institution with a big heart for inclusivity and sportsmanship. Despite its modest size, the school has made a significant impact by actively participating in Special Olympics events...
Click here to read more about Char-Lan's journey
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Tim Hortons Campaign Success! | |
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We're thrilled to announce the success of the Tim Hortons Special Olympics Donut campaign! Thanks to your incredible support, the campaign was a sweet triumph!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated, pre-ordered, and shared on social media. Your enthusiasm and commitment turned this campaign into a success story. The online community takeover was truly inspiring, showcasing your dedication to inclusion and empowerment.
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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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Check out the 2023 Recap Video | |
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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.
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Find your nearest plunge: | |
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My name is Zac Scanlan, I am a researcher from the University of Toronto recruiting participants for my master's thesis study. I am looking for parents and their children (ages 12-30 years) to participate in a virtual interview (~60 minutes) during which they will be asked about their experiences during their/their child's suspected concussion (i.e., it does not have to be a doctor-diagnosed concussion).
Participants will each receive a $30 gift card as compensation for their time. There is additional information available in the attached research flyer, or you can reach out to zac.scanlan@mail.utoronto.ca if you have any questions or concerns !
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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 23-26, 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.
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2024 Waterloo Region Spring Games – Eastern Ontario Spotlight | |
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Eastern Ontario is bringing a strong contingent to the 2024 Waterloo Region Provincial Spring Games, with 107 athletes and 31 coaches all set to participate! The lineup includes 10 athletes showcasing their skills in 10 Pin Bowling, 48 hitting the courts for Basketball, 6 showing off their strength in powerlifting, 6 demonstrating their rhythmic prowess, and 37 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 Aimee Burtch from Lennox & Addington, Gregory Murdoh from Arnprior, Alex Bevacqua from Bellville Quinte West, Ryan Mitchell-Smithson from Perth, Adele Blew from Ottawa, and David Cory from Lennox & Addington!
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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.
Learn more about the Draft an Athlete Program
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Special Olympics 2024 Calgary Games Updates | |
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The Calgary Games are 18 Days away!
Excited to support our Calgary athletes heading to the 2024 National Winter Games? Discover where and when you can cheer them on during departures or returns by clicking the buttons below for airport details.
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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.
Don't miss out – February 15th is the last day to order.
Order Now
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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.
Learn more about the Become A Fan Program
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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!
The first Social Media Newsletter will be sent out this month!
Join our bi-monthly email newsletter 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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FEBRUARY 10TH
Burlington - Floor Hockey
Stratford - Floor Hockey
FEBRUARY 11TH
Ottawa - Snowshoeing
Muskoka - Swimming
FEBRUARY 17TH
York South - Tenpin
Parry Sound - Nordic
FEBRUARY 18TH
Toronto - Speedskating
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FEBRUARY 24TH
Peterborough - Basketball
Stratford - Basketball
FEBRUARY 25TH
Welland - 5pin
Collingwood - Pickleball
MARCH 2ND
Halton Hills - Basketball
Milton - Curling
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Share Your Special Olympics Story | |
For the chance to have your Special Olympics story 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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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.
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