Soo Greyhounds, Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics Ontario team-up to raise funds and awareness for Individuals with Intellectual Disability
(Sault Ste. Marie – Oct 22nd, 2024) – The Soo Greyhounds, LETR, Special Olympics Ontario, are teaming up to raise awareness about the importance of individuals with an intellectual disability during the Soo Greyhounds home game Wednesday October 23rd when the Greyhounds host the Saginaw Spirit (7:07pm puck drop).
The Special Olympics game will feature:
• A LETR/Special Olympics Ontario-run kiosk so fans can learn more about Special Olympics Ontario
• A pass-the-bucket fundraiser in support of Special Olympics Ontario
• A ceremonial puck drop featuring a Special Olympics athlete
• Public address announcements about Special Olympics Ontario
The awareness campaign is part of the ongoing commitment by the Ontario Hockey League, the Soo Greyhounds, and LETR/Special Olympics Ontario to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics Ontario.
Tickets for the game are still available, to purchase tickets, visit the SK Group Box office located inside the GFL Memorial Gardens or visit gflgardens.ca/greyhounds
Read more about Special Olympics Ontario at http://www.specialolympicsontario.com/
Join in Game Night by utilizing #BeAFanSOO
Media Contact:
Derek Spence
Law Enforcement Torch Run Liason
SPECIAL OLYMPICS ONTARIO
1-888-333-5515 ext 264
[email protected]
ABOUT SPECIAL OLYMPICS ONTARIO:
Special Olympics believes that people with intellectual disabilities can, and will, succeed when given the opportunity – we are levelling the playing field.
Special Olympics uses the transformative power and joy of sport to reveal the full potential of athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Special Olympics is more than an event – Special Olympics Ontario delivers year-round world-class sport programs to people with intellectual disabilities daily in communities across Ontario. Special Olympics Ontario’s programs cater to all ages and a wide range of abilities:
• We have programs for children (2 yrs+), youth, and adults
• We provide an introduction to sport and physical activity, programs that offer daily training and local competition, and the opportunity to participate in high-performance competition
Special Olympics Ontario programs are delivered by trained coaches and dedicated volunteers with over 23,000+ athletes (including 10,000 student athletes) and over 10,000 volunteers in our movement today. Special Olympics is a catalyst for social change.
Our programs help:
• Instill confidence, self-esteem and other life skills in athletes
• Contribute to healthier athletes with life-long physical fitness habits
• Change attitudes and create a more inclusive society
• Strengthen communities
For every $1 invested in Special Olympics community sport programs in Ontario, a minimum of $7 of social benefit is created through improved mental health and increased athlete employment. Our research tells us that, when compared with individuals with an ID who are not engaged in Special Olympics, our athletes experiences the following health and lifestyle benefits:
• 10% fewer athletes who are obese or overweight, vs average individuals with an ID
• 20% fewer athletes with anxiety disorders due to access to sport, vs average individuals with an ID
• Improved lifespan, and significantly improved overall health for Special Olympics athletes
• 16% higher employment rate for Special Olympics athletes, vs average individuals with an ID
• 15% rate reduction in diabetes for adults with IDD who participate in Special Olympics, compared to adults with IDD who do not participate, over a period of up to 20 years.
