Community Connect Newsletter

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This is the May edition of the Community Connect Newsletter that is shared with our whole Special Olympics Ontario community.

HAPPENING NOW!

Head to Sobeys, Safeway and Foodland stores before the end of this weekend and give two dollars at check-out in support of Special Olympics! Through this partnership, every $2 donation will be matched and helps provide one day of funding for an athlete enrolled in a Special Olympics program.*

Upcoming Events

Community Spotlights

Provincial Games Updates

Just 21 days left until we get to see our skilled athletes compete in five exciting sports! Hundreds of athletes and coaches from across Ontario will compete in this year's Provincial Games, hosted by the Waterloo Regional Police Service from May 23-26, 2024.

2024 Waterloo Region Spring Games – South West Ontario Spotlight

South West is bringing a strong contingent to the 2024 Waterloo Region Provincial Spring Games, with 121 athletes and 34 coaches all set to participate! The lineup includes 24 athletes showcasing their skills in 10 Pin Bowling, 19 hitting the courts for Basketball, 26 showing off their strength in powerlifting, 17 demonstrating their rhythmic prowess, and 35 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 Yanhong Dewan from LaSalle Windsor, Kim Parker from London, Kara Hoskins from Simcoe, Dan Robar from Sarnia and Zack Griffith from St Thomas! Click below to read more about the athletes!

2024 Provincial School Championships

Over 7,000 high school athletes have been competing across the province to qualify for the Chatham-Kent 2024 School Championships, taking place from June 11-12. School Programs instill confidence, contribute to a healthier lifestyle, build lifelong friendships and create a more inclusive society.

You can view the qualified teams for bocce, soccer, and basketball using the link below. Qualified teams for track and field or floorball will be announced soon.

Special Olympics Floorball

We are transitioning to Floorball in our school programs and launching that sport this spring. Floorball requires less equipment, has smaller team sizes, and is a better fit within the school setting. While we have no plans to launch Floorball at the community level this season, you can learn more about the sport through the link below.

Floorball is replacing Floor Hockey at the World Games and will no longer be offered at that level. The status of Floorball at the national level is currently being reviewed. Special Olympics Ontario continues to value Floor Hockey and will offer Provincial Championships in 2027 and qualifying competitions in 2026.

Research Opportunity

Aiding communication between doctors and patients with IDD

We are seeking individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and parents of children with IDD to participate in realistic simulations designed to help medical student work on their communication.

When: June 2024

Where: Anywhere! (Virtual)

Duration: ~5 Hours (2 hours training + 3 hours)

Participants will receive a $50 honorarium in recognition of their contribution. If interested, please email olivier.rabu@medportal.com

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Hometown Games Schedule

MAY 4TH

Kitchener-Waterloo - Basketball

York South - Tenpin

Sarnia - Powerlifting

MAY 5TH

London - 5 Pin

London - 10 Pin

Collingwood - 5 Pin

Greater Durham - Basketball

MAY 11TH

London - Floor Hockey

JUNE 22ND

Burlington - Soccer

London - Softball

North Bay - Athletics

Oakville - Athletics

JUNE 27TH

Stratford - Golf

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