Support Janice Bickert

Celebrating Janice Bickert

This year, our motionball Marathon of Sport team is proud to recognize Janice Bickert as an honorary member of our team.

Janice was the aunt of our team captain, Greg Bickert, and a lifelong Special Olympics athlete who lived with cerebral palsy. Through Special Olympics, Janice found friendship, confidence, achievement, and countless joyful memories. Bowling was one of her favourite activities, and anyone who watched her on the lanes quickly learned that she brought her own unique style to the game. She would rock side to side, bowl with both hands, and often celebrate a good shot with an enthusiastic twirl that occasionally ended with a gentle tumble and a room full of laughter.

What made Special Olympics so meaningful to Janice was not just the sport itself. It was the friendships, the sense of belonging, and the opportunity to be part of a community that celebrated her abilities. Those experiences enriched her life and created memories that her family and friends continue to cherish.

Special Olympics has had a profound impact on Greg's family. Greg's sister Sarah, who has Down syndrome, has also benefited from Special Olympics programs for many years. Sarah and Janice shared a special bond while living together with Janice's sister-in-law Mary. More than family members, they were close friends who enjoyed many of the opportunities, relationships, and experiences that Special Olympics helped make possible.

Many members of our team have been inspired by Greg's lifelong commitment to supporting individuals with diverse abilities and by the positive impact that Special Olympics has had on both Janice's and Sarah's lives. Through Greg's volunteerism, advocacy, and fundraising efforts over the years, we have seen firsthand how sport can build confidence, create friendships, foster inclusion, and strengthen communities.
That is why this cause is so important to our team.

By supporting this campaign, you are helping future athletes experience the same opportunities that brought so much joy, friendship, confidence, and belonging to Janice and continue to enrich Sarah's life today.

As we celebrate Janice's life and her legacy of laughter, perseverance, friendship, and inclusion, we invite you to join us in supporting Special Olympics Canada through motionball.

Thank you for honouring Janice as an honorary member of our team and helping create a future where every individual has the opportunity to participate, belong, and thrive.