On September 23, we are 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.
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 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,
Fire Breathing Unicorns
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.
The number of Special Olympics athletes across Canada
Child and youth Special Olympics athletes across Canada
The number of Special Olympics Canada volunteers