Research

Diverse group of people in red outfits stand on a podium. All have medals on neck and arms in the air.

Special Olympics Canada was rooted in research. From Dr. Hayden’s work in the early sixties to the continued findings that happen internationally, research has played a major role of the advancement and development of individuals with an intellectual disability, and the Special Olympics movement as a whole.

Building on previous work and areas of future interest Special Olympics Canada funds a research program annually to promote and support research activities within the academic field, while striving for further ways to service the athlete population. These research opportunities ultimately enhance athlete development and performance and can play a major role with coach development in Special Olympics.

Find out more about our recent research

Diabetes

Research led by the Faculty of Health Sciences at Ontario Tech University and published in Diabetic Medicine has revealed that participation in Special Olympics programming is associated with a significantly lower risk of diabetes among adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Concussion

Special Olympics Canada recognizes that participation in any sport or physical activity has some risk of head injuries, including concussions. Special Olympics Canada recognizes that participation in any sport or physical activity has some risk of head injuries, including concussions.
Depression

Research led by researchers in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Ontario Tech University has examined the depression status of more than 51,000 young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Ontario from 1995 to 2015.