Why I Support Special Olympics Canada
For me, supporting Special Olympics Canada through motionball has always been personal.
My sister Sarah, who has Down syndrome, and my Aunt Janice, who lived with cerebral palsy, have both been beneficiaries of Special Olympics programs. Through sport, they found friendship, confidence, achievement, and a sense of belonging that enriched their lives in countless ways. Watching the positive impact that Special Olympics had on both Sarah and Janice showed me firsthand that these programs are about much more than sport. They create opportunities, foster inclusion, build confidence, and help people realize their full potential.
This year is especially meaningful because our team has named Janice an honorary member. Janice passed away in 2025, but her joyful spirit, sense of humour, and love of sport continue to inspire us. Whether she was bowling with her own unique style or making people laugh with one of her many jokes, Janice had a way of bringing people together. Celebrating her life through this campaign feels like a fitting way to honour the opportunities and friendships that Special Olympics brought into her life.
While my family's connection to this cause is what first inspired me to get involved, what keeps me motivated today is seeing the impact that motionball has had on the people around me.
I am incredibly grateful for the support of my team at Inspire Property Management. Year after year, they enthusiastically participate in the #motionball Marathon of Sport, with nearly every team member committing to return after attending for the first time. What starts as a fun day of friendly competition quickly becomes something much more meaningful.
Over the years, I have watched participation in motionball help our team develop a deeper understanding of the #diversability community. Team members have become more proactive in challenging the inappropriate use of the R-Word in everyday conversations. They have developed greater empathy for individuals living with visible and invisible disabilities. Most importantly, they have become passionate advocates for inclusion and genuinely committed supporters of programs that help individuals of all abilities thrive.
That transformation is exactly why motionball matters.
This year, I am working toward a personal milestone: reaching $100,000 in lifetime fundraising for Special Olympics Canada. Since joining the motionball Marathon of Sport fundraiser, I have raised nearly half of that amount, and with your support I hope to take another meaningful step toward that goal.
Every dollar raised helps provide athletes with access to sports, coaching, friendships, and opportunities that can have a lasting impact on their lives. I have seen that impact through Sarah. I saw it through Janice. And I continue to see it through the incredible athletes, families, volunteers, and supporters who make up the Special Olympics community.
Thank you for supporting this campaign and helping create a more inclusive world where everyone has the opportunity to participate, belong, and thrive.
