Special Olympics Ontario is a
non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to providing year-round
sports training and competition opportunities for individuals with an
intellectual disability. Special Olympics is founded on the belief that
people with intellectual disabilities can, with proper instruction and
encouragement, learn, enjoy and benefit from participation in individual
and team sports.
Special Olympics Ontario Kitchener-Waterloo is committed to providing much needed physical education programs to more than 500 local athletes who benefit physically, mentally and socially. Our programs are completely volunteer-driven, operated by over 250 dedicated volunteers. The Kitchener-Waterloo community, through participation and observation, better understands people with intellectual disabilities in an environment of equality, respect and acceptance.
 Kitchener/Waterloo athlete Brian Wetzler achieved two gold medals in the 1600 M and 5 K snowshoe races as well as a bronze medal in the relay at the 2013 World Winter Games in Pyeong Chang, South Korea. Julie Wetzler also attended the Games as Head Snowshoe Coach for Team Canada. Congratulations, Brian and Julie! Current Volunteer OpeningsWe need volunteers! There are openings as follows: - Sports Tech on Community Council (two year commitment)
- Coaches for a variety of sports, various days and times - Event volunteers for Home Hardware Markets and our annual Dirty Dash (one or two day commitment)
Contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Toreigh Sheffer . 2013 10-Pin Bowling TournamentHeather Wilson and her team hosted another successful 10-pin bowling tournament on February 23. More pictures in the Photo Gallery. John Emslie and Tyler Dammeier
| Spring/Summer RegistrationRegistration for spring/summer sports is now open. Athlete registration packages are posted under Registration on the left side of this page. Athletes cannot participate in practice until their registration package has been received. Please mail registration forms and payment as noted in the registration package. Please note that we do not have a physical office - only a Post Office Box - so you must mail your registration forms. 2013 Dirty Dash Get ready to have fun and GET DIRTY! Special Olympics Ontario Kitchener-Waterloo is planning its fourth annual race to help raise funds for our remarkable organization, which will be held on July 14th, 2013 at Bechtel Park in Waterloo ON. The race course will be lined with obstacles, and at the end of the race ALL runners must cross a 30ft long MUD PIT. So get ready friends and Special Olympians to GET DIRTY at our fourth annual Dirty Dash! We have many available positions for volunteers on the race day for tasks including marshalling, water stations, event set-up, and more. Nearly 100 volunteers are required to run this event successfully. If you are interested in volunteering on Friday July 12, Saturday July 13 and/or Sunday July 14 (Race day) please contact Jenn Mondell, Fundraising Coordinator at kw.fundco@specialolympicsontario.ca . Bring along any friends, family and athletes interested in joining the fun. This event is our biggest fundraiser of the year for Special Olympics Ontario KW and provides opportunities for athletes to attend competition, discounted registration fees, holiday ball party, and much more! Looking forward to your support for this event and the coming year! Please forward this e-mail to anyone you think may be interested in volunteering or participating by running the race or donating. The event website is: http://raceroster.com/events/2013/249/The-2013-Dirty-Dashbr8-KM-4-KM-&-1-KM-Kids-Fun-Run/ Thank you everyone! Jenn City of Kitchener Athletic AwardsCongratulations to Christy Campbell, Brian Wetzler, Michael DeBlock, Calvin LaPierre and Ryan Steele on receiving City of Kitchener Athletic Awards. More pictures in the Photo Gallery.  2013 Provincial Summer GamesCongratulations to the following athletes and coaches who qualified for the Provincial Summer Games in York Region, July 11 to 14. Rhythmic Gymnastics: Melissa Heubner, Robyn Martin with Coach Karolyn Heubner Athletics (Track & Field): Letisha Fay, Marley Gayler, Lauren Hood, Andrew Johnston, Chris Litwiller, Jim MacLean, Sifeldin Mohamed, Tom Pilarski, Alex Powell, Danielle Snider, Peter Snider, Jeff Stephens, Brian Wetzler with Coaches Elissa Cressman, Angela Nyhout, Erin Preiss and Julie Wetzler |