happy Holidays!
Holiday Greetings from Special Olympics Nova Scotia
We are excited to bring you the latest updates from Special Olympics Nova Scotia. As valued supporters of our organization, we want to keep you informed about the incredible achievements and upcoming events that make our community so special.
Please consider a Donation in support of our athletes. Your support makes a tremendous difference in their lives and in the their communities!
2023 GAMES RECAP & UPDATE
2023 WINTER GAMES
The 2023 Provincial Winter Games made a successful return after a hiatus since 2019. These games brought together athletes, coaches, and volunteers from across the province to 14 Wing Greenwood. Despite the lack of snow in Greenwood, the competitions were a resounding success. Sports such as Floor Hockey, Speed Skating, Figure Skating, and Curling took center stage, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of our athletes.
However, due to the absence of snow, the Snowshoeing competition had to be held later in the winter at Bud Bremner Park in Bedford. Despite this minor setback, the games continued to inspire and motivate participants to give their best.
The 2023 Provincial Winter Games also served as a qualifier for the upcoming National Winter Games in Calgary 2024. This is a significant milestone for our athletes, as it provides them with an opportunity to showcase their skills at a national level. We are immensely proud of their hard work and determination, and we are confident that they will represent our province with great honor and sportsmanship.
2023 SUMMER GAMES
The 2023 Provincial Summer Games was a showcase of passion, and outstanding performances.
Over 550 athletes from various disciplines, including soccer, basketball, rhythmic gymnastics, athletics, bocce, golf, and swimming, gathered at Acadia University to showcase their skills and compete for glory. The dedication and determination of these athletes were truly inspiring to witness.
The support from the 165 coaches/mission staff and 150 volunteers was instrumental in making this event a resounding success. Their tireless efforts ensured that everything ran smoothly, allowing the athletes to focus on giving their best performances.
We would also like to express our gratitude to Michelin North America (Canada) Inc. for their generous contribution. Their sponsorship made it possible for us to organize an incredible dance that always adds that touch of excitement to Games.
The 2023 Summer Games were a testament to the power of sports in bringing people together, fostering a sense of community, and promoting inclusivity. We are incredibly proud of all the athletes, coaches, mission staff, volunteers, and sponsors who made this event a memorable one.
2023 WORLD GAMES BERLIN
In June, nine exceptional athletes from Special Olympics Nova Scotia had the incredible opportunity to represent Team Canada at the 2023 World Games in Berlin. Their dedication, talent, and determination shone brightly as they competed against athletes from around the world. We are immensely proud of their accomplishments and grateful for your continued support, which helps make these opportunities possible.
2024 NATIONAL WINTER GAMES
Looking ahead, we are thrilled to announce TEAM NOVA SCOTIA for the 2024 National Winter Games in Calgary. Team Nova Scotia will be composed of 45 outstanding athletes, along with 24 coaches and mission staff. This inspiring event will showcase the incredible skills and resilience of our athletes, and we can’t wait to see them in action. Stay tuned for more updates as we cheer on our team on their journey to Calgary to take place February 27th – March 2nd, 2024.
2023 EVENTS RECAP & UPDATE
2023 INSPIRED GALA & AUCTION
We are also excited to share that the Inspired Gala & Auction was a resounding success. This year’s event marked its return to an in-person gathering after a long hiatus. We celebrated three years of Provincial Award winners, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the Special Olympics.
Mark your calendars for the 2024 Inspired Gala & Auction, which will take place on February 21. Join us as we welcome Celebrity Guest Speaker Brian Burke, a hockey executive that currently serves as the Executive Director of the Professional Women’s Hockey League Players’ Association.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to come together, celebrate our athletes, and support our cause. Tickets are available now!
2023 HALIFAX POLAR PLUNGE
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! OVER $26,000 RAISED!
The ever-popular Halifax Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Nova Scotia was a huge success on Saturday, April 29th, 2023!
Our BBBrave plungers and supporters made this the most successful Halifax Polar Plunge yet. NSLETR members, Special Olympics Athletes and cheering crowds gathered at Grand Parade Square in Halifax for our Opening Ceremonies.
At The Queen’s Marque our BRAAAVE plungers took a dip in the frigid cold Halifax Harbour waters – all for a great cause!
NOVA TRUCK CENTRES 150
Nova Truck Centres hosted a remarkable event that brought together Special Olympics and the local racing community. It was a fantastic opportunity for everyone involved to connect and foster new friendships.
We want to express our sincere gratitude to Peter Macgillivray of Nova Truck Centres for making this event possible. Your support and dedication to promoting inclusivity and community engagement are truly commendable. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Ann and Darrin Butcher of Atlantic Tiltload for their warm hospitality.
The event was a huge success, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity and support from individuals like you. Your contributions have a significant impact on the lives of Special Olympics athletes, helping them to build confidence, develop skills, and achieve their goals.
2023 TRUCK CONVOY
THANK YOU to all of the drivers, owners, sponsors, and volunteers!
Click on the images below to view the 2023 event videos and photos.
DR. WILLIAM STANISH & FRIENDS LUNCHEON
A special thank you to Dr. Stanish and Friends for another incredible luncheon and for their generous support. The room was full of inspiration.
The Bright Spot Medal Award was presented to Ashburn Golf Club for their contribution and support of the golf program with Special Olympics Halifax. Mr. Gordie Smith was on hand to accept the award on behalf of Ashburn Golf Club presented by Halifax golfers, Gary Mounce, Maryanne Fraser, Patrick Flewelling, and Chris Crace.
The luncheon also included a panel discussion with athletes Erin McGee and Jonathan Taylor (JT) on how sport can change you through improved confidence, social skills and self-esteem and how that is related to their work. Erin is employed by Sobeys and was joined by Jody Carey, Store Manager. JT works at Michelin North America (Canada) Inc. and was joined by Greg Wagner, Facility Personnel Manager.
Both Jody and Greg spoke about the benefits and importance of having an inclusive and diverse workplace and the positive impacts staff with intellectual disabilities have in a workplace.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS CANADA NATIONAL AWARDS
Special Olympics Canada National Awards were held on Nov 17th, 2023. The Rising Star Coach of the Year was Oliver Storseth, a coach with Eastern Highlands. Oliver Storseth’s Special Olympics journey started in his high school’s Unified Sports basketball program, after graduating high school, he coached his local Special Olympics soccer program, ultimately leading his team to Provincial Games. While attending St. Francis Xavier University, Oliver spear-headed the “Unified at X” program, uniting student athletes and Special Olympics athletes across a variety of sports.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS NORTH AMERICA AWARDS
Special Olympics North America (SONA) – Rising Start Coach of the Year for 2023 was Morghan Manuel. Morghan a soccer coach with Special Olympics Halifax for over 4 years. She first received the inaugural Rising Star Award for Special Olympics Canada in 2022. were able to surprise Morgan live on air with CTV with her award from SONA.
Click the button below to view the interview with Suzette Belliveau from CTV & Morgan receiving her award from Trent McGrath, General Manager, CTV Atlantic.
YOUTH FUN DAY
Thank you to the athletes from ACTIVE START and FUNdamentals programs for the Fun Day at Metropolitan Field in Lower Sackville, hosted by Knights of Columbus and supported in part by Canadian Tire Jump Start and Special Olympics Canada.
For more information on youth programs contact Rachel Skanes rskanes@specialolympicsns.ca
HEALTHY ATHLETES
In November, we held a Healthy Athletes Screening Day at Dalhousie Dental School. Healthy Athletes is a program dedicated to providing essential health services and education to Special Olympics athletes, through free health screenings and evaluation of the health status. At our Screening Day event, Athletes had the opportunity to have their hearing tested, their teeth looked at and a physician check-up.
Thank you to the 50+ healthcare professionals that volunteered their time and knowledge to educate and provide care to our athletes. These included physicians, medical school students, dentists, dental hygienists, dentistry/dental hygiene students, audiologists, and audiology students. Thank you to our clinical directors, Dr. Tracy Doyle, Dr. Joanne Reid, who travelled from PEI to share her expertise, Dr. Stuart Wright, and Nadia Tymczyszyn. Thank you, as well to the Dalhousie Dental school for providing the event space and to Dr. Ben Davis, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry for donating a delicious pizza lunch!
The Special Olympics Nova Scotia Healthy Athletes Program is offered at provincial games and various events throughout the province.
For more information, please contact Rachel at rskanes@specialolympicsns.ca
VOLUNTEERS
We truly appreciate your unwavering support and commitment to our cause. Your involvement has made a significant difference in the lives of our participants, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
If you’ve been inspired by the amazing work of our volunteers and would like to contribute your time and skills, we invite you to consider becoming a volunteer yourself. By joining our team, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of the athletes. To learn more about becoming a volunteer, please visit our website.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Watch for more details about all of our upcoming events on our website and through social media!
Tim Horton’s Special Olympics Donut campaign will run February 2nd – 4th, 2024.
Inspired Gala & Auction – The gala will take place on February 21st, 2024 at the Halifax Convention Centre. Tickets are on sale now!
National Winter Games – Winter Games will be held from February 27th – March 2nd, 2024 in Calgary, Albert
NSLTR Halifax Polar Plunge – Be sure to sign up to plunge and Brrrraaavvve the cold on April 20th, 2024
Summer Games – Get ready this summer for our games to take place from July 12th – 14th, 2024 at Acadia University, Wolfville.
Nova Scotia Truck Convoy – Reve your engines on September 21st, 2024
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.
