happy Holidays!
Holiday Greetings from Special Olympics Nova Scotia
Happy Holidays from all of us at Special Olympics Nova Scotia! As the year comes to a close, we’re thrilled to share a look back at 2024 – a year filled with a remarkable achievements by our athletes, dedicated coaches, and passionate volunteers. It was a very busy year with National and Provincial Games, events in the community and new programs being offered. Continue to read through the highlights of 2024!
Happy New Year from the Special Olympics Nova Scotia Staff.
Mike, Matt, John, Rachel & Krista
Please note our office will be closed for the holidays, December 24 – January 2.
Please consider a Donation in support of our athletes. Your support makes a tremendous difference in their lives and in the their communities!
2024 Games Recap
2024 SUMMER PROVINCIAL GAMES
Over 580 athletes and 250 coaches/mission staff from across Nova Scotia came together at Acadia University from July 12-14 for the 2024 Nova Scotia Provincial Summer Games. Competing in seven sports – soccer, basketball, rhythmic gymnastics, athletics, bocce, golf, and swimming – the athletes showcased their skills, determination and passion for sport. The success of the Games was made possible by the 300+ dedicated volunteers whose tireless efforts ensured the event ran smoothly. Their hard work allowed the athletes to focus on achieving their personal best and creating unforgettable moments.
A heartfelt thank you for to Michelin North America (Canada) Inc. for their generous sponsorship, which enables the games to happen and us to host the always-anticipated dance – a highlight of the Games! The 2024 Summer Games were a true celebration of the power of sport to unite communities, foster inclusivity and create lasting memories and friendships.
Thank you to Lyndsay Doyle Photography for your incredible eye and capturing the true spirit of the athletes at Games.

NSLC Provincial Summer Games Volunteer Program Partner
NSLC was the newest Provincial Summer Games supporter as our Volunteer Program Partner this year. Thank you for the donation and to the over 30+ NSLC staff members taking time and volunteering throughout the weekend.
A huge thank you to Laura, Marley and their teams for all the hard work and coordination.
2024 SPECIAL OLYMPICS NATIONAL WINTER GAMES
We are thrilled to announce TEAM NOVA SCOTIA took home 29 medals at the 2024 Special Olympics National Winter Games in Calgary, Alberta. The team comprised of 45 outstanding athletes, along with 24 dedicated coaches and mission staff. The athletes did outstanding! Congratulations! Thank you to the coaches and mission staff for your tireless efforts and willingness to devote your time to the athletes of Team NS.
These games also served as qualifiers for the 2025 Special Olympics World Games in Turing, Italy March 8 – 15, 2025, five Nova Scotia athletes were named to the Team Canada Training Squad. Chloe Stoddart, Brian Waring, Jessica Cranton, Rebecca Delaney and Nick Skoreyko.

2024 SPECIAL OLYMPICS NATIONAL WINTER GAMES
2024 SPECIAL OLYMPICS NATIONAL WINTER GAMES
Earlier this month, five exceptional athletes from Special Olympics Nova Scotia participated in the first Training Camp for Team Canada for the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy. Their dedication, talent and determination shone brightly as they trained for the first time in-person with their teammates after the past few months of on-line training exercises over zoom.
We are proud of their accomplishments and can’t wait to watch them compete on the world stage in Italy!
Athletes
Chloe Stoddart – Cross Country Skiing (Lunenburg/Queen’s)
Jessica Cranton – Figure Skating (Annapolis)
Rebeca Delaney – Snowshoeing (Lunenburg/Queen’s)
Nick Skoreyko – Snowshoeing (Lunenburg/Queen’s)
Brian Waring – Snowshoeing (Dartmouth)
Coaches & Supports
Susan Inglis – Assistant Snowshoeing Coach
Marion Cornish – Medical Lead
Patricia Swan – Alternate Speed Skating Coach
Krista Wadman – Alternate Marketing & Communication Liaison
Doug Branscombe – Training Coach, Snowshoe
Earl Mielke – Training Coach, Snowshoe
Darlene Broome – Training Coach, Cross Country Skiing
Charleen Cameron – Training Coach, Figure Skating

2024 EVENTS RECAP
2024 INSPIRED GALA & AUCTION
This year, the Inspired Gala & Auction was held for the first time at the Halifax Convention Centre, where we welcomed over 670 guests! The new, larger, venue was helpful in making this one of the best yet! We also celebrated the 2024 Provincial Award winners for their exceptional contributions to the Special Olympics. Guest Speaker, Brian Burke, captivated the audience with his stories from his career spanning decades in Professional Hockey.
Save the date! The 2025 Inspired Gala & Auction will be held on February 19, and it promises to be even more spectacular. We’re thrilled to welcome back Celebrity Guest Speaker Brian Burke, for a Hot Stove Interview hosted by CTV’s Paul Hollingsworth. Don’t miss this extraordinary evening filled with inspiration, celebration and the chance to support our amazing athletes. Tickets are available now – secure yours today!
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 Joel Jacobson Bright Spot Medal Award was presented to STFX University for their contribution and support to Special Olympics Nova Scotia throughout the years. STFX President, Dr. Andrew Hakin and Director, Ancillary Services, Bob Hale, were on hand to accept the award on behalf of STFX University, presented by Special Olympics Halifax athlete, Katie Isenor.
The luncheon included a panel discussion looking back at the decades of Special Olympics Nova Scotia and how impactful the time and moments are to athletes and coaches. The panel hosted by Bruce Rainnie included Figure Skating Coach, Mary Ann Crowley, along with athletes Sherry Martin and Martin Fudge. Mary Ann Crowley started the first ever figure skating program in Canada right here in Nova Scotia, coaching Sherry Martin to the 1985 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Park City, Utah. Martin Fudge has been involved with Special Olympics for over 30 years. In 1997, Martin was the athlete chosen to speak at the Closing Ceremonies on behalf of all athletes competing at the World Games in Toronto-Collingwood, a huge honour for Martin.

2024 TRUCK CONVOY IN SUPPORT OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS
THANK YOU Another record year with $167,700 raised and 222 big rigs registered!!
Thank you to all of the drivers, owners, sponsors, and volunteers for going above and beyond year after year.
Click on the image below to view the 2024 event videos and photos on our Facebook page.
NOVA SCOTIA U15 MAJOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
Thank you to the Nova Scotia U15 Major Hockey League teams for fundraising at games throughout the season across the province.
At the Opening Ceremonies for the Provincial Playoffs in Antigonish, they presented a cheque for $37,794 – doubling the amount they raised last year.
Your support and inclusion of our athletes and families is greatly appreciated.

MOTIONBALL & MOTIONBALLU
This fall motionball and motinballU achieved incredible success in support of Special Olympics.
motionball Halifax raised an impressive $57,200! The event brought together over 40 Special Olympics athletes joining 18 teams for a day packed with sports, inclusion and a ton of FUN!! The motionballU teams continue to spread awareness and raise funds – this year students of SMU, DAL and STFX raised over $70,000 combined! motionball Unama’ki – Cape Breton leading the way and raising $74,000 WOW!
Another large component of motionball is the #NoGoodWay campaign. This campaign promotes the use of inclusive language with a goal of ending the casual and negative use of the “R-word” from everyday conversations. Take the pledge today!
Want to get your friends, family or your employer involved – reach out to Krista Wadman kwadman@specialolympicsns.ca

SPECIAL OLYMPICS CANADA NATIONAL AWARDS
In November, four Nova Scotians were awarded National Awards with Special Olympics Canada.
Chrisitan Gerro – Athlete of the Year
Rebecca Lavigne – Coach of the Year
Natalie Branscombe – Athlete Community Excellence Award
Dr. William Stanish – Frank Selke Jr. Award
Click the images below to learn more about the award winners and to watch their acceptance videos.
NATIONAL SPONSOR CAMPAIGNS
From April 25th – May 5th, our In Store – Check Stand Campaign was held in Sobeys, Foodland and participating Co-Ops, Lawtons Drugs and Needs Convenience stores across Canada raising over $1.4 million.
A huge thank you to the Nova Scotia store staff who promoted and the customers who supported us.
Keep a look out for the next campaign in June 2025!

We are proud that a record-breaking $884,000 was raised through the sale of Special Olympics Donuts at Tim Hortons from Feb. 2-4 across Canada!
100% of the funds raised support community sport programs for more than 42,000 Special Olympics athletes across Canada with intellectual and developmental disabilities – including in our communities across Nova Scotia.
A huge thank you once again to our Special Olympics community – athletes, coaches, volunteers, staff, friends, family, champions and supporters – for making this the most successful year yet.
YOUTH PROGRAMS
Our youth programs continue to grow and evolve. There are currently 17 youth programs being facilitated provincially. Youth coaches and program leaders are creating new and exciting programs that meet the needs of the children in their community. Thank you to our innovative and passionate leaders in youth!
Thank you to the Rocks and Rings program and the Dartmouth, Halifax and Cobequid Community Health Boards for equipping our Youth MultiSport programs with floor curling sets and instruction. Our athletes had a blast learning about floor curling equipment, different manoeuvres and strategies along with scoring and how to play a full game. Thank you to Owen, our wonderful instructor from the Rocks and Rings program.
For more information on youth programs contact Rachel Skanes rskanes@specialolympicsns.ca
HEALTHY ATHLETES
Healthy Athletes at Summer Games
We hit a record at Summer Games this year by screening the most athletes in SONS history in one day! Between competitions, 165 athletes completed Strong Minds and Special Smiles programs. With a team of psychologists and psychology students, athletes learned stress coping and management strategies at Strong Minds. At Special Smiles, our dental team assessed athletes oral health and provided essential dental information. We also piloted the first ever Special Olympics Sports Bra fitting program where athletes could be fitted for quality sports bra by experts from Essentials Lingerie. Over 50 priority athletes were given free bras and an additional 50 were fitted and provided information on ordering bras at a later date. One athlete recounts, “I was so happy to have this fitting done. The ladies doing it were awesome and made me feel so comfortable. I felt more comfortable about myself and my appearance after the fitting of a proper bra. I hope more people get to experience this”. Thank you to Lisa Barrie and the team at Essentials Lingerie who did a fantastic job assessing and fitting our athletes.
Healthy Athletes Screening Day
At our annual Healthy Athletes Screening Day in November, athletes participated in 5 Healthy Athletes disciplines: MedFest (Doctor Check Up), Special Smiles (Dentistry), FUNfitness (Physiotherapy), Strong Minds (Coping Skills), Healthy Hearing (Audiology). We partnered with the Dalhousie Dental Hygiene school to pilot a mouthguard program where an intraoral scanning machine created 3D models of athletes teeth and custom mouthguards were made for athletes. Experts from Autism Nova Scotia provided information on healthy relationships and researchers from the University of Calgary provided information and collected data regarding women’s health topics. Our Sports Bra Fitting Program was facilitated for the second time and 30 more athletes received free bras thanks to a grant from the Aerie Real Foundation.
For more information on the Healthy Athletes programs, please contact Rachel at rskanes@specialolympicsns.ca
SPORTS AND PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Floorball: A New Official Sport
This year, we are thrilled to announce Floorball as an official sport within Special Olympics Nova Scotia! Floorball is a fast-paced, inclusive, and accessible sport that has already garnered enthusiasm from athletes and coaches. We can’t wait to see this sport grow in 2025.
Alongside Floorball, we’ve seen new partnerships which will offer Alpine skiing and tennis. With your continued involvement we’re excited to keep growing these opportunities
SONS Unified Sport Expansion
Thanks to your support, Unified Sports programs have expanded to more schools across the province. Inclusive basketball, soccer and bocce teams have grown over the last year. Also, planning is in the works for a Provincial Unified Championship in Spring 2025. If you are interested in getting your school involved, reach out to Matt Quinn – mquinn@specialolympicsns.ca
VOLUNTEERS
Our programs are only possible thanks to the tireless efforts of our volunteers and coaches. 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. Whether you’re experienced or new to the world of sports, there’s a place for you at Special Olympics Nova Scotia.
Roles we’re recruiting for:
• Coaches and Assistant Coaches
• Program Leaders / volunteers
• Regional committee members
SUPPORTERS & SPONSORS
Thank you to all our incredible supporters and sponsors this year. Your generosity and commitment have made an impact on our athletes and our mission. Your belief in the power of sport, inclusion, and friendship inspires us all and supports the opportunities we create together. We are deeply grateful for your support and partnership in helping us make a difference. A few of our friends who contributed the successes of our athletes this year. For more information on becoming a sponsor contact John MacDonald – jmacdonald@specialolympicsns.ca

Kentville Toyota Supports 2024 Provincial Summer Games
Athlete Peter Sheehan dropped by to thank Aaron Knock of Kentville Toyota for their support of the 2024 Provincial Games held at Acadia University
Thanks for your support in 2023 and 2024.
Nova Truck Centres 150
Hosted by Nova Truck Centres, this event promotes Special Olympics to the local racing community. A huge thank you for including the athletes in the day – waving the green flag, commanding the start of the race, driver introductions, presenting the winners trophies and the truck parade!
Many thanks to Peter Macgillivray of Nova Truck Centres and Ann and Darrin Butcher of Atlantic Tiltload for your hospitality.
Halifax Wanderers
Thank you to the team at Halifax Wanderers for supporting us this summer. Athletes from Special Olympics Halifax and Sackville/Bedford soccer teams were invited to play at half-time. Other athletes and volunteers helped sell 50/50 tickets during the game where proceeds went back to Special Olympics Nova Scotia. Although it was raining, it didn’t dampen the spirits of the athletes!
Engel and Volkers Pumpkin Patch
Many thanks to Margaret Craig and her team from Engel & Volkers – Halifax for hosting their Fall Pumpkin Patch fundraiser to support Special Olympics Nova Scotia.
Athletes Cheyenne, Matt and Sandy helped the gang at the Hydrostone and Ardmore Parks for 2 days of fun and raising over $2000.

Midas
Thank you to our MIDAS friends for supporting our Youth and Sport Programs. Accepting the cheque from local owners from Dartmouth and New Minas are athletes Cheyenne Arbour, and Joaquin Smith, parent Chelly Smith, and our CEO Michael Greek.

Knights of Columbus St. Agnes Council 16817
Knights of Columbus St. Agnes Council 16817 hosted the 𝟏𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐊𝐞𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐟 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭! They were honored to partner with Special Olympics as our beneficiary organization! 100% of the proceeds of the tournament went to Special Olympics! Lots of great golf and laughs along the way.
Thank you for supporting our athletes and programs.
Atlantic University Sport Basketball Championship
Our athletes and volunteers from our Halifax, Dartmouth and Sackville/Bedford regions were out in full force for the 50/50 fundraiser at the Conference Basketball Championships held Scotiabank Centre February 23 – 25. Special thanks to Phil Currie and his team at Atlantic University Sport for the opportunity to raise funds and awareness of Special Olympics to the basketball community

RBC Royal Bank Wolfville
Thank you for your financial and volunteer support of our 2024 Provincial Summer Games at Acadia University. Jeremey Schofield, Branch Manager was joined by Chad Langille – Regional Vice President, Andy Wagner – Client Advisor Business Services, Karen d-Entremont – Senior Manager, Operational Risk Management present the “Big Cheque” to SONS Board Member Lorna Flemming
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 January 31 – February 2, 2025
Inspired Gala & Auction – The gala will take place on February 19th, 2025 at the Halifax Convention Centre. Tickets are on sale now!
Nova Scotia Provincial Winter Games – will be held from February 7th – 9th, 2025 at 14 wing Greenwood.
Summer Games – Get ready this summer for our games to take place from July 24th – 27th, 2025 at STFX University, Antigonish
Nova Scotia Truck Convoy & Polar Plunge – Dates to be announced once confirmed.
YOUR SUPPORT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Please Consider a Donation Today
You have read about the impact we have in our community. 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.