Four Special Olympic athletes show off their medals

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 240 local athletes who benefit physically, mentally and socially. Our programs are completely volunteer-driven, operated by 170 dedicated volunteers. The Kitchener-Waterloo community, through participation and observation, better understands people with intellectual disabilities in an environment of equality, respect and acceptance.

Featured News

Thank You Cross Body!

This past November, Special Olympics Kitchener-Waterloo collaborated with Cross Body Pro Wrestling Academy for an epic fundraiser. Thanks to their amazing efforts and hard work, especially that of owner Ben Ortmann, this wrestling event became the highest grossing fundraiser for SO-KW, outside of our annual Colour Run. This event raised $4808, so over the Easter weekend, we presented Ben with a special Easter treat - a thank you plaque and adorable stuffed rabbit. Community helping community.

GOLD At World Games

Special Olympics Kitchener-Waterloo is excited to announce that our athlete, Peter Snider, has won gold in the 200m race. We could not be more proud.

Edit: As of March 19th - Peter Snider has also won gold in long jump and Joe Covaci has won bronze in the 3000m run.

Edit: As of March 20th - Peter Snider has won silver in the 4x100m relay.

Peter Snider on medal platform with other Special Olympic athletes

Athletes' Awards Dinner

Special Olympics Kitchener-Waterloo athlete ambassador, John, was recognized at the Athletes' Awards Dinner held at Bingemans on March 19, 2019. We are so very proud of the hard work John puts into this amazing organization.

Powerlifting Provincial Qualifiers

This past St. Paddy's weekend in Guelph, Special Olympics athletes participated in the powerlifting provincial qualifier. Big thank you to our coaches! Head coach Sasha has done an amazing job with our group of athletes and training them for this big day, coaching them to reach for their best.

Current Volunteer Openings

We need volunteers! There are openings as follows:

- Coaches for a variety of sports, various days and times

- Event volunteers for Home Hardware Markets and our annual fundraising run (one or two day commitment)

Contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Tannis Gayler