Why Join Special Olympics Ontario School Programs? 

At Special Olympics Ontario School Programs, we believe in empowering students of all abilities to reach their full potential through inclusive sports and leadership opportunities. Joining our programs offers a multitude of tangible benefits for students, schools, and parents alike: 

1. Enhanced Physical and Emotional Well-Being:
   Physical Benefits: Participation in Special Olympics leads to increased levels of physical activity, improved lung function, cardiovascular fitness, and reduced risk of obesity. Athletes will see improved coordination, balance, body control and enhanced self-confidence.
   Emotional Benefits: Research shows that involvement in Special Olympics programs leads to increased social skills, self-esteem, and overall well-being for participants. Participation can also support daily living activities and independence. 
   
   
2. Inclusive Community and Leadership Opportunities:
   Special Olympics Ontario fosters an inclusive and supportive community where students of all abilities are valued and respected. Through Athlete Leadership initiatives, students have the opportunity to develop leadership skills, advocate for themselves and others, and make a positive impact within their schools and communities.
   Research shows Special Olympics participants are 5 times more likely to gain employment. Athlete Leadership initiatives empower individuals to become leaders within the movement, shaping its future and ensuring the athlete voice is heard and valued. 
   
   
3. School Environment and Social Benefits for All Students:
   Unified Schools: initiatives create inclusive environments where students with and without intellectual disabilities learn and play together, fostering friendships and promoting positive social interactions.
   Studies show that 94% of Unified School Programs significantly reduce bullying and offensive language, while promoting positive attitudes and interactions among students of all abilities.
   Teachers report an improved sense of community after participating in Unified Schools and significant improvements in how people with ID are perceived and treated.
   Changing Attitudes: Special Olympics promotes education and awareness about the dignity and abilities of all individuals. Witnessing the accomplishments of athletes challenges misconceptions and fosters a more inclusive mindset within communities and schools. 
   
   
4. Academic and Career Success:
   Research indicates that students involved in Special Olympics programs are more likely to excel academically and develop essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, and perseverance. Involvement in Special Olympics also increases the likelihood of future employment, with participants demonstrating strong leadership and work ethic. 
   
   
5. Health and Wellness Support:
   Special Olympics Ontario provides crucial health screenings and fitness programs for students with intellectual disabilities, promoting overall health and well-being.
   Through the Healthy Athletes program, athletes receive specialized healthcare services, addressing common health issues such as untreated tooth decay, vision problems, and obesity. 

Join Us in Making a Difference: 
By joining Special Olympics Ontario School Programs, students, schools, and parents become part of a global movement and community network dedicated to promoting inclusion, acceptance, and positive change. Together, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate society where every individual is valued and empowered to succeed. 

Get Involved Today: 
Explore our programs and initiatives to learn more about how you can get involved with Special Olympics Ontario School Programs. Join us in creating a more inclusive and supportive school community where every student can thrive. 

This year, we will be bringing back our Sports Festivals for Elementary School students in communities across Ontario. Our Secondary School Sport Qualifiers are back better than ever; SOO will be offering a record number of competition opportunities this school year. But that’s not all. The 2023-2024 campaign will feature the return of our three-day School Championships Event from June 11th -13th in Chatham! The new year will include 15 new in-person events, three new virtual competitions and our unified Athlete Show Case event. And last but not least, our Unified Programs will be back in Universities and Colleges throughout the Province. 

To learn more about SOO School Programs and Resources check out our program book below