This day not only brings awareness to the Special Olympics movement, but allows people with and without intellectual disabilities to interact, build lifelong friendships, and ultimately create more inclusive communities. The highlight of this event each year is having the opportunity to compete alongside local Special Olympics athletes like Ryan.
Ryan has been involved in motionball for 10 years! Since then, Ryan has participated in countless motionball events, including the Toronto Gala and many local Marathon of Sport events! This year, we’re excited to have Ryan take on the role of motionball’s 2023 Honorary Athlete Ambassador. Hear from Ryan about what being part of motionball means to him:
“motionball means having the opportunity to play sports with new individuals who want to become part of the Special Olympics family and also being able to connect with sponsors to really show them how and where their support makes a difference.”
With Special Olympics programs and initiatives back in full swing, our friends at Special Olympics need us more than ever. For many of them, Special Olympics is not just about sport, or staying fit and healthy, but also about providing a social network, a sense of belonging and a valuable source of stability – all essential to their mental and physical health.
By making a donation to motionball, you're helping to ensure that athletes like Ryan have the resources they need to continue the sport programs they love.
Thank you very much for your support, Kiah
For more information on motionball please visit motionball.com
Special Olympics Athletes On My Team
Nicole Vespa
Name:
Nicole
What Special Olympics sports do you participate in?
Figure skating, rhythmic gymnastics, swimming, and golf!
What is your happiest/proudest Special Olympics memory?
My proudest moment is this year at the Figure Skating Provincials, winning a Gold Medal in Level 3 Free Skate and Silver in Level 2 Solo Dance. I'm also Happy to that I Qualify to go to the 2024 Provincial games for Rhythmic Gymnastics. Another Very memorable event is skating in the Rock the Rink Tour with Scott Moir and Tessa Virtue on Nov 6 - 2019 in Mississauga.
How do you like to spend your time outside of Special Olympics (jobs, hobbies, activities, etc)
I attend School at a Continuing Education Program 2 days a week. I train at home on my days off plus running to keep fit. I also like to spend time writing in my workout journal.
What do you love most about motionball events?
Right now, I love the motionball Zoom Calls every Friday, to see and have fun talking to everyone. I have made new friends in this group."
Fundraising Totals
I have raised $360 out of my goal of $350
My team has raised $12,650 out of our goal of $13,000
Team: Etherington & Saints
My Wall Of Awesome
HOW CAN YOUR DOLLARS HELP?
motionball for Special Olympics is a registered not-for-profit corporation, raising money for Special Olympics programs across Canada. 70% of the funds we raise are distributed to programs in the province where they are raised, with the remainder going to the long-term funding of programs through the Special Olympics Canada Foundation.
While COVID-19 has affected us all, Special Olympics athletes are feeling the effects of this global pandemic more than most. Sport programs are suspended, competitions have been cancelled, and many athletes remain stuck indoors, at a greater risk of contracting COVID-19 than the general population. Now more than ever, the role of motionball in these athlete’s lives is incredibly important. As one of the Special Olympics’ largest funding partners in Canada, motionball has donated over $13M to date. motionball supporters are dedicated to ensuring that every local club and program can return stronger than before, and that no Special Olympics athlete is left behind.
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25,944
The number of Special Olympics athletes across Canada
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10,000
Child and youth Special Olympics athletes across Canada
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13,814
The number of Special Olympics Canada volunteers
