Playing competitive sports can get expensive.
Special Olympics wants to ensure that none of its athletes get left behind.
Hometown Run for Youth Special Olympics is an important fundraiser to that end.
On Sunday morning, athletes, family, and friends participated in Hometown Run with participants choosing to walk or run distances of 1 km, 5 km, and 10 km, leaving from the North Bay Museum.
“Hometown Run is a fundraiser for our Special Olympians, our youth. So, from ages six to 21, we are raising funds for the programming, for their equipment, for registration, anything that helps them compete, that is what we’re raising money for today,” explained Lisa O’Kane, race director for Hometown Run.
The average cost of covering an athlete for an entire year was $250, but increased transportation costs mean the cost of covering an athlete has climbed to $300.
“As we well know, gas prices have up, so our bus costs have gone up as well. So, part of that is transportation that has really taken a kick to our budget,” shared O’Kane.
Athletes compete out of town and potentially out of province.
“When our athletes get to that level, they do fly. A lot of that is covered by Special Olympics Ontario however, we have to endorse and sponsor our local athletes in order to do those things, and there is a cost to that.”
This fundraiser is for the younger group, comprised of roughly 65 athletes competing in various sports all year round.
“We do every sport you can think of including track and field, bocce, basketball, snowshoeing, bowling, and swimming. You name it, we do it.”
It is possible to sponsor an athlete.
“You will see lots of people here sponsoring an athlete and they have done that through the Special Olympics Ontario site, and through donations and sponsorship all across our community. Our community has been absolutely incredible in supporting our athletes, incredible.”
This marks the second year for the Hometown Run with over 100 participants registered.
In addition to raising money, organizers hope the event will raise awareness.
“We want our community to be aware of our athletes and what they bring to our community. And secondly, of course, we want people to have fun.”
As the father of a 17-year-old multi-sport athlete, Jerry Kane sees many benefits to supporting Special Olympians.
His son Logan played in goal when his soccer team earned the bronze medal during a provincial event last year in Kingston.
“It is getting Logan out and socializing with his peers and helping with these fundraisers. It is nice to get him out a little bit more than hanging around the house. And he enjoys it,” said the older Kane.
“These people put on some good programs here and it is nice that he can come out and participate with them and have fun and enjoy his time with them. “
Logan Kane has been a Special Olympian for the past two years, playing soccer, basketball as well as competing as a runner.
When asked, he is quick to say that soccer is his favourite sport.
Another Special Olympian, Mathew Tresnak competes in the various running competitions from the 100 metre to the 800 metre events.
“I also take part in golf, soccer, and baseball. I like getting out and meeting new friends,” Tresnak grinned.
As an older athlete, Tresnak appreciates everyone’s efforts in making the walk/run happen.
“It takes a lot of time and effort for everyone to be out here, and it is going to be a fun day.”
Rob Saunders, coordinator for the Near North Special Olympics group knows the importance of raising money, especially with provincial games on the horizon.
“It is essential. We’re always planning ahead with local competitions, hosting events, and having equipment for sports. So, it would cover our busing, accommodations, and meals. It covers everything, so our athletes never have to pay a cent out of their pocket,“ explained Saunders.
The number of sports continues to grow.
“This year we started two new sports with the possibility of a third one,” added Saunders.
The Hometown opening ceremonies included the Special Olympics athlete oath, led by a local Olympian, and proudly repeated by his peers.
“Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
