Ottawa Hosts 2025 Special Olympics Ontario School Championships at Carleton University

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, May 30, 2025              10:51 a.m.

Ottawa—The 2025 Special Olympics Ontario School Championships Provincial Games arrive in just a few days, hosted by the Ottawa Police Service. From June 3 to 5, Carleton University will welcome more than 1,100 student-athletes with and without an intellectual disability, along with educators from across Ontario to compete in a celebration of sport, inclusion, and community.

This year’s Championships will feature competitions in athletics, basketball, bocce, floorball, and soccer. These games serve as a capstone event for athletes aged 13–21 who have qualified through regional competitions throughout the school year across the province. Competitions will also feature unified sports. This inclusive model brings together students with and without intellectual disabilities to compete as teammates.

“Since starting Unified Sports, our athletes have become known and respected across the school. They are high-fived in the halls, asked how they are doing, and have made friends beyond the classroom. Unified Sports has had an immeasurable impact, and our students lead by example, paving the way for future teammates.” Angela Nixon, Educator, Glebe Collegiate Institute.

The Opening Ceremonies will take place on Tuesday, June 3, at the Carleton University Fieldhouse. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the show running from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Media are invited to attend for photo opportunities and to witness the official start of this inspiring event. Interviews will be granted upon request and will take place at the completion of the ceremonies.

The Ottawa Police Service, as the official host, is joined by a dedicated group of volunteers, law enforcement partners, educators, and community members who are working together to make this event a success.

Our dedicated community members help bring these games to life but we need your help! We’re still looking for sponsors for our incredible student athletes. Your support can turn possibility into reality for a young athlete with an intellectual disability—giving them the chance to wear their school’s jersey, represent their community, and shine on and off the field. Be the reason a student gets their chance to be a champion. 100% of your donation will directly support a student’s chance to participate in this life-changing experience. Visit our School Championships website and Sponsor a Champion today: https://schoolchamps.ca/sponsor-a-champion

About the 2025 Special Olympics Ontario School Championships

The City of Ottawa and the Ottawa Police Service are proud to be hosting the 2025 Special Olympics Ontario School Championships. During the 2024/2025 academic year, over 10,000 high school athletes will compete across the province in an effort to qualify for the 2025 School Championships. School Programs instill confidence, contribute to a healthier lifestyle, build lifelong friendships and create a more inclusive society. Taking place June 3^rd to June 5^th, the 2025 School Championships will welcome over 1,100 student athletes from across Ontario to Ottawa. They will be joined by their coaches and cheered on in person and at home by their families and friends.

For more information: https://schoolchamps.ca/

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SCHEDULE INTERVIEWS, CONTACT:

Ottawa Police Media Relations

[email protected]

613-236-1222, ext.  5366

or

Javed Thadani

Director, Marketing & Communications – Special Olympics Ontario

[email protected]

437-422-7231