Support Greg Bickert for the 2023 motionball Marathon Of Sport Kelowna presented by Kelowna Toyota

On September 23, "Team Inspire" is participating in an all-day fundraiser called motionball Marathon of Sport. This is an action-packed day where my team and I will play sports alongside Special Olympics athletes from our community. This day helps to bring athletes of all abilities together on the playing field. While fundraising is one of our goals, Marathon of Sport is about so much more.

I have long been an advocate for the Diverse-Ability community for years. My aunt has lived with cerebral palsy her whole life and my sister was born with trisomy-21 (aka “Down Syndrome”). So naturally, I have seen firsthand how organizations like Motionball for Special Olympics can make a big impact on the lives of people who live in our community.

This campaign not only fundraises for professional athletes, but it also helps raise funds for people like Sarah Bickert (my "Sister Bear") and Janice Bickert (my "Auntie Jannie") for increased opportunities to play sports with other diverse-ability and intellectually challenged athletes. One of Auntie Jannie’s favorite sports was bowling. And if you ask my Sarah to tell you her favorite sport, she will proudly tell you “MOTIONBALL!”

Motionball helps may people, like Tess. Tess first became involved with motionball’s Marathon of Sport 6 years ago, and since then has participated in countless motionball events. This year we're so excited to have Tess take on the role of motionball's Honorary Athlete Ambassador. Hear from Tess about what being part of motionball means to her!

“motionball is a cool movement that motivates others to engage in the activities sports and events that encourage interaction with people who have an intellectual disability. It raises awareness to everyone that Special Olympic Athletes should not be judged and treated unfairly but included. motionball is important because it helps to prevent assumptions about people with disabilities and challenges. THANK YOU!”

With Special Olympics programs and initiatives returning this summer, 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 Tess have the resources they need to safely return to the sport programs they love.

Thank you very much for your support, Greg

Company: Inspire Property Management Ltd.

Special Olympics Athletes On My Team

No athletes have been assigned to this team yet!

Fundraising Totals

I have raised $7,450 out of my goal of $7,000

100%

My team has raised $11,266 out of our goal of $6,000

188%

My Wall Of Awesome

  • Kelly McFadyen  $50
  • Kristian de Pont  $250
  • Kelly Mckitrick
  • Christy Lovig  $500
  • Cameron Stutters
  • Michael Charters
  • Curtis Marston  $200
  • Alexandra M Bickert
  • Sean Bickert  $1,000
  • Kathleen Bickert  $100
  • Daniel Bussiere
  • Paul Bickert
  • Alex Longson  $150
  • Waste Connections  $250

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.

  • 25,944

    The number of Special Olympics athletes across Canada

  • 10,000

    Child and youth Special Olympics athletes across Canada

  • 13,814

    The number of Special Olympics Canada volunteers

motionball for Special Olympics is sponsored nationally by