happy Holidays!
Holiday Greetings from Special Olympics Nova Scotia
We wish all our friends, athletes, coaches, volunteers and supporters a happy and healthy holiday season. Here are a few highlights of the past year.
It was great to get back to in-person training, competing and especially being together and seeing everyone at the Summer Games.
2022 Summer Games
We were back in action for the Provincial Games at StFX in Antigonish in July. It was an emotional experience, as many of our over 1100 athletes, coaches and volunteers from across Nova Scotia hadn’t seen each other since March 2020. Teams from New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island also were invited to compete. It felt great to be back together.
2022 Event Recap
The 2022 Polar Plunge took place April 30, with the opening ceremonies at Grand Parade Square in Halifax. Then the Torch Run lead the Plungers down George Street to Queen’s Marque on the Halifax Waterfront. The BRAAAVE Plungers took to the steps (yes, those famous steps!) and dove in the frigid waters of the Halifax Harbour – all for a great cause! This year there were over 40 Plungers diving in to help raise $20,000.
Interested in taking the plunge in 2023? Save the date – April 29, 2023.
Check out even more photos on our the Facebook album.
Truck Convoy
On Saturday, October 15th, truckers from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and PEI united with our partners in Law Enforcement (LETR) to support Special Olympics NS to celebrate the 11th Anniversary of the Truck Convoy. A record year with 217 trucks and over $132,000 raised. We thank the drivers, their companies and the generosity of our sponsors.
Lead Truck was Edwin MacDonald and along with his team from Atlantic Tiltload were the Lead Team.
For a recap visit our FaceBook post here.
Stanish and Friends
A special thanks to Dr. Stanish and Friends for another inspiring luncheon and generous support for our Special Olympics athletes! We were thrilled and for anyone who attended you won’t forget star athlete Joy Maclachlan’s description of finding out about her selection as a Team NS flag bearer… “shut the front door”!
A fitting tribute and presentation of the first annual Joel Jacobson “Bright Spot” Medal to volunteer leader Cathy Mason, Pictou County Regional Coordinator and recent recipient of the Nova Scotia Hall of Fame Builder Award. Cathy and Joy were joined on stage by Dr. Heidi Stanish – her poignant words about her Special Olympics experience could not have been better.
Money raised will be used to support Team NS in their pursuit of the 2024 National Winter Games in Calgary.
Unified
We are proud to have Unified Sport back in schools! Thank you to South Colchester Academy and Central Kings High School for each hosting Unified Sports Day.
Unified Sport brings youth with and without intellectual disabilities together through education, sports and related initiatives that provide them with the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to create and sustain school communities that promote the acceptance, respect and human dignity for all students.
To learn more about Unified Sport, click here.
Unified Speed Skating
A new program and a continuing partner
The Dartmouth Speed Skating Club started a new program based on the Unified Sports model. Speed Skating Canada Olympic National Team athletes Valérie Maltais and Jordan Belchos spent time in September at a training session for our Unified Skaters. More events are being planned for 2023.
Thank you, Dan Monk and staff at Monk Renovations who are generously supporting our new Unified Speed Skating program.
Youth Fun Day
Thank you to the athletes from the Active Start and FUNdamental programs for the Fun Day at Metropolitan Field in Lower Sackville, hosted by Knights of Columbus. Also, supported in part by Canadian Tire Jumpstart and Special Olympics Canada.
Tom Fahie Retires
Special Olympics Nova Scotia thanks and congratulates Tom Fahie for making a difference, a positive impact and paving the way for Youth Development! You are a friend, a leader and continue to promote active and healthy living for everyone.
World Games - Berlin June 17-25, 2023
There were 10 Nova Scotia Athletes names to Team Canada for the 2023 World Games in Berlin.
Congratulations on this accomplishment! We would also like to acknowledge those chosen as Coaches and Mission staff. We wish them the best and can’t wait to follow along their journey leading up to games and all the action from Berlin. Good Luck! #Berlin2023 Click here to keep up to date with Team Canada 2023.
2023 Team Canada Athletes
- Christian Gerro – Athletics
- Grant Philips – Athletics
- Robbie Westlake – Basketball, Men’s
- Tatyanna Turner-Gerroir – Basketball, Women’s
- Caroline Thibault – Bowling
- Krista Stockman – Golf
- Phil Brown – Powerlifting
- Ashley Thomas – Soccer, Women’s
- Caleb Lake – Swimming
- Coaches, Mission Staff and Leadership Team
- Marion Cornish – Team Doctor
- Doug Branscombe – Assistant Coach, Men’s Basketball Team
- Mike McCarther – Mission Staff, Swimming
- Maura Hunter, Alternate Coach, Swimming
- Craig Faulkner – Alternate Coach, Golf
- Sheri Scott – Alternate Coach, Rhythmic Gymnastics
- Donna White – Alternate Coach, Women’s Soccer
- Joan Conrad – Athletics
- Peter McCormick – Athletics
- Dave MacNeil – Basketball
- Kempton Hyson – Bowling
- Jim Stockman – Golf
- Cody Barkhouse – Powerlifting
- Geoff Tyler – Soccer
- Edwina Renaux – Swimming
In November, Nova Scotia Athletes, Coaches, Training Coaches and Mission Staff joined their fellow Team Canada athletes in Toronto for the first training camp for the 2023 Team Canada. Here is part of the Nova Scotia crew at Toronto Person Airport.
Volunteers
As we have gotten back to a normal schedule of programming over the past year, we would like to take this opportunity to thank the countless volunteers. We thank you for your time and support, high fives, and guidance. THANK YOU!!!
Upcoming Events
Winter Games • February 10th-12th, 2023 at ACADIA in Wolfville
Volunteer registration now open – click here!
The Inspired Gala & Auction • February 22nd, 2023
Polar Plunge – April 29, 2023
Take a look back at the 2022 Polar Plunge – click here.
Save the Date!
Summer Games • July 7th-9th, 2023 at Acadia in Wolfville
Truck Convoy 2023 – September 23rd, 2023
Your Support Makes a Difference
Please Consider a Donation Today
You have read about the impact we have in our community.
Our programs are returning to play.
Are you considering donating to a charity this year? Like other charities, Special Olympics Nova Scotia needs your support. Help us continue to offer world-class sport and community programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities throughout Nova Scotia.
Please consider a donation.
Gifts of Securities
A donation of publicly traded securities allows you to support us and take advantage of the capital gains tax provisions on the donated securities. Learn more here.
Legacy and Planned Giving
Leaving a gift in your Will may be one of the most important decisions you will ever make and it’s easier than you think. A gift to us through your estate has a lasting impact that ensures your values live on in our organization.
Learn more about the many ways you can make a legacy gift. Please contact John MacDonald, Director, Business Development and Marketing at (902) 429-2266 x 5 or email jmacdonald@specialolympicsns.ca.
