Special Olympics has a very long and illustrious history.
The non-profit sports organization provides athletic opportunities for children and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities.
March 25 is Special Olympics Day in Ontario, and this year it celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Special Olympics worldwide.
In North Bay, student athletes were joined by coaches, friends, family members, as well as a number of area law enforcement agencies, for a special flag raising ceremony outside the North Bay Police Service headquarters.
”More than 50 Law Enforcement Agencies across the province are celebrating this milestone together, today," said Deputy Chief Scott Tod of the North Bay Police Service.
“And we are officially 50 days out from the inaugural Invitational Youth Games in Toronto beginning on May 14, which is the pinnacle 50th anniversary celebration worldwide.”
He reminded those gathered for the celebration that "Special Olympics has the ability to break down barriers, foster inclusion and acceptance and unite the world.”
Many student athletes from across the city will be participating in the games, and for many, it will be their first time competing in a sports outside the city.
One of the local athletes looking forward to the Invitational Youth Games is soccer goalie Jonathan Fader.
“I mostly like being goalie. When we were in Peterborough we brought home the silver,” he grinned.
“Being with my team is like hanging out with a family. My whole school is like my family to me. It is easy to make friends.”
Fader is going into the competition with the right attitude.
“It doesn’t matter if I win or lose, as long as I’m having fun. I hope everyone has good luck out there.”
Jonathan’s father, Jason, is attending as a volunteer.
“If it wasn’t for these programs, and the organization, these kids wouldn’t have that chance. It lifts their spirits up. So maybe it will bring other possibilities down the road,” said Fader.
“I would say my son is more confident now. Within the last year and a half, I have seen him starting to come out of his shell.”
During the flag raising ceremony, Rob Saunders was presented with the Special Olympics Builder Award in the Sport and Community category.
Saunders is the coordinator for the school groups in North Bay, helping to build up special Olympics for the past 37 years.
He admits he gets back more than he gives.
“It is joy. It is pure joy. Seeing the athletes when they compete, seeing them when they cross the finish line. There is nothing else better than that,” explained Saunders who is looking forward to coaching his floor hockey teams at the Invitational Youth Games.
“Athletes aged 14 to 21 will be attending these games from all over the world. We have three schools from the North Bay area attending. St. Joseph-Scollard Hall has two groups going, Widdifield has a group going, and Almaguin Secondary has a group going as well.”
Saunders gives full credit to the North Bay Police Service for the on-going work it does with Special Olympics.
“I don’t know how many people remember the winter games that were held here in North Bay back in 2015. It is put on by the police service, and it was probably one of the best games I have ever been to. It was so well put together.”
OPP Superintendent Jon Dumond says policing and Special Olympics has always shared a valuable partnership.
“What better way is there for the police to assist the community? And the lessons that we learn from Special Olympics is absolutely invaluable.”
North Bay has over 200 registered Special Olympians.
