Special Olympics Canada in need of funding to restore programming to pre-pandemic levels
After a challenging two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Special Olympics Canada is gearing up to get more than 14,000 athletes, coaches and volunteers back in the games.
The organization's goal is to empower people with an intellectual disability through sport, health and fitness, and now more than ever, it's in need of funding to restore its programming to pre-pandemic levels.
Ambassador Ava Grantham's father, Paul, has been a part of the organization since before she was born.
"When we were expecting Ava, we were pretty sure she had Down syndrome, so Jenn and I wanted to get more involved and be more educated, and that's literally how we got involved," said Paul.
Paul says the organization has made a huge difference for him and his family.
"My experience with Special Olympics was very minimal prior to, and helped open our eyes to what the future may bring for Ava, and just set us up to help her out with sports and just being active," he said.
This week, Sobeys is hosting a national fundraising campaign with 100 per cent of its proceeds going towards Special Olympics. Paul says campaigns like this one are what help his daughter maintain a happy and healthy life.
He says anyone thinking about getting involved in the organization will soon discover it's well worth it.
"Just get involved as soon as you can and be open to experience, and don't expect much, because you may think it's going one way and it's going to go the other, but it will be a beautiful journey," he said.
Anyone interested in getting involved with Special Olympics Canada can visit its website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trump promises a 25% tariff on products from Canada, Mexico
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump said on Monday that on his first day in office he would impose a 25 per cent tariff on all products from Mexico and Canada, and an additional 10 per cent tariff on goods from China, citing concerns over illegal immigration and the trade of illicit drugs.
'Devastating:' Ford warns of impact of new tariffs promised by Donald Trump
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is warning that Donald Trump’s promise to impose a 25 per cent tariff on goods arriving in the United States from Canada and Mexico could have a 'devastating' effect on the province’s economy.
Legault says Trump's 25 per cent tariff would pose 'huge risk' for Quebec, Canadian economies
Premier François Legault says President-elect Donald Trump's threat of a 25 per cent tariff on all imports would pose a 'huge risk' to the Quebec and Canadian economies.
Premiers seek 'urgent' meeting with Trudeau before Trump returns to White House
Canada's premiers are asking Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to hold an urgent first ministers' meeting ahead of the return to office of president-elect Donald Trump.
Here's how much Alberta exports to the United States
With the United States being Alberta’s top trade partner, sweeping 25 per cent tariffs proposed by President-Elect Donald Trump could have a major effect on the province’s economy.
'It's just not fair': Retirees speak out on being excluded from federal rebate cheques
Carol Sheaves of Moncton, N.B., says it's not fair that retirees like her won't get the government's newly proposed rebate cheques. Sheaves was among the seniors who expressed their frustrations to CTVNews.ca about not being eligible for the $250 government benefit.
NDP support for part of Liberal relief package in question, as House stalemate persists
After telling Canadians that New Democrats would back Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's holiday affordability package and help pass it quickly, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh now wants it split up, as he's only ready to support part of it. Public Services Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said the Liberals are 'certainly open to working with the opposition parties,' to find a path forward.
Deer spotted wearing high-visibility safety jacket in Northern B.C.
Andrea Arnold is used to having to slow down to let deer cross the road in her Northern B.C. community. But this weekend she saw something that made her pull over and snap a photo.
Canadian Army corporal fined for stolen valour at Remembrance Day ceremony
A corporal in the Canadian Army has been fined $2,000 and given a severe reprimand for wearing service medals he didn't earn during a Remembrance Day ceremony in Alberta two years ago.