About Us

In Canada, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities participate in local programs across 12 provincial and territorial Chapters. They are supported by an extraordinary network of volunteers from a variety of ages, backgrounds and skillsets, who are united in their commitment of making Canada a better place for us all.

For decades, Special Olympics Canada has shared research proving the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle has for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. We continue to improve and expand the quality, opportunity and accessibility of sport across the country, while improving awareness and support in the community in regard to Special Olympics Canada and those involved with us. As an organization, we work to ensure our volunteers are strongly committed to acting locally while thinking globally. Through these steps, we hope to continue to build upon the past success of the organization.

Our Values

Quality:

• Provide quality programs and services for our members and supporters;
• Provide quality training for athletes and coaches;
• Provide a high level of support for athletes in training and competition including a focus on their personal health, well-being and safety.

Community Awareness & Support:

• Have a very high level of community awareness so that people know who we are, what we provide and how to access opportunities;
• Be in every community that wishes to join the Special Olympics movement;
• Be an integral and valued part of communities, such that if we failed to exist there would be an outcry in the community.

Organization:

• Be an integrated cohesive organization. Thinking globally, acting locally;
• Have a strong committed group of volunteers;
• Provide opportunities for all athletes in the movement to have input into and access decision-making processes;
• Ensure that people know where to voice their concerns and that they have an opportunity to be heard;
• Be officially bilingual and respect the diverse cultures in Canada;
• Be accountable to our members and partners, and decision-making processes will be transparent, clear, fair and understood;
• Support research and development on issues affecting people with an intellectual disability;
• Play a leadership role in the community, provincial/territorial, national and world stages in advancing Special Olympics;
• Constantly challenge ourselves to enrich the lives of Canadians with an intellectual disability through sport.