Special Olympics Barrie

Thank you to everyone who attended the first-ever motionball In-Home Gala presented by the AIR MILES Reward Program! We are thrilled to announce that with you...r support, we were able to raise $125,000 net all in support of the Special Olympics Canada Foundation! These funds will help ensure our friends at Special Olympics Canada continue to have the resources they need to stay active at home, and can safely return to sport when the time comes. THANK YOU!

Who is in the house for the motionball Gala? Share your pics in the comments below!

Hey Barrie: it's time to #PlungeON! Registration is open for the 2021 Virtual Polar Plunge: Special Olympics members can raise money for local community programs! https://polarplunge.ca/ Are YOU #FreezinForAReason? Special Olympics Ontario

It's time for you to take care of YOU! Visit SOO's Bell Let's Talk Calendar for a special collection of wellness activities: https://sohealthyathome.ca//2/01/BellLetsTalk_Calendar.pdf

SOO-Barrie has a super fun upcoming event: Games Day! On Sat. Feb. 6 from 2-4pm, join in virtually with your athlete friends for Bingo, Trivia and a Scavenger Hunt. Please email Dawn to let her know if you'll attend: [email protected]. Let Dawn know in your email, if you have a printer or you need the information mailed to you (include your address for mailing). See you February 6th!

The Snow Sport athletes and volunteers wish everyone the very best for the holidays! We've been doing virtual dryland for nine weeks, and are looking forward to what the new year will bring: hopefully, lots of SNOW!

As we all wish each other a very Merry Christmas and all the best for Happy Holidays , let's hear from athletes from across Ontario. Maybe you'll recognize a few friendly faces! Click on this link for greetings from the SOO Athlete Leadership Council: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQzusjhozwQ&feature=youtu.be.

It's the holiday season, Barrie Athletes - do you know what that means? It's time to party! Yep: a VIRTUAL Christmas dance is on its way, so get those dancing shoes on! When? Saturday, Dec. 19 What time? 7pm - 9pm Where? Online! The link will be posted at 6:45 on Saturday evening.... See you for fantastic night of fun, music and a chance to connect with your fellow athletes

TONIGHT 6PM - 7PM ET - it’s time to turn up the holiday spirit! Virtual Holiday Dance Party! We will be going LIVE on Zoom with Dj Stevie.... We ask you to bring your holiday gear and spirit! Wear your favourite holiday gear and decorate your space! Still time to register https://soontar.io/holidaydance

Christmas is now less than six weeks away - Oh my! Who's getting ready for the holiday season? Carter is! Check out his awesome job decorating his apartment Share the spirit and post a photo of your seasonal display in the comments below.

Today, we remember the sacrifices that our Veterans made so we can enjoy the freedoms we have today. Wear your Poppy as a pledge to never forget and at 11:00 am please pause to Remember. #RemembranceDay #CanadaRemembers #LestWeForget

Welcome to all banquet guests. Today is a day of celebration and fun. Meals will be given to all registered guests at Eastview Secondary School starting at 3 pm. The online banquet is open to everyone and begins at 6:30 pm. Follow the below link and we’ll see you at the event and virtual party meet.google.com/sqn-pvnx-hdz

Guess who's wearing a cool Guardians Run t-shirt? Yep - Sam is! The annual Law Enforcement Torch Run event wrapped up in a virtual way yesterday, but it's not too late to show your support for Torch Run and athletes right across the province. Click here to donate, until November 9: https://give.specialolympicsontario.com//opp-guardians-en/. Thanks for your support!

Hey Barrie athletes! Check out what Tess has to say about Physical Activity, Healthy Living. Sign up at https://soo.bestliferewarded.com/. More details can be found at https://www1.specialolympicsontario.com/mypahl/. Enjoy the rewards of healthy living!

Congratulations to Dawn Windross, Volunteer Of The Year! Join us in celebrating Dawn and the other award winners at the Provincial Award Ceremony TONIGHT at 7 P...M Eastern Time. Presented by Gallagher. Let us know you'll be joining on Facebook https://soontar.io/awards OR Watch online https://www1.specialolympicsontario.com/2020-awards/

Let's celebrate our Special Olympics Provincial Award winners - including SOO-Barrie community coordinator Dawn Windross who receives the 2020 Volunteer of the Year award! Tune in online Wednesday at 7pm https://facebook.com/specialolympicsontario

Attention All Athletes: Special Olympics Athlete Leadership Program has gone VIRTUAL! Each district will have a trio of courses offered: -Introduction to Athlete Leadership -Social Media... -Photos and Video For Central Ontario, these take place on zoom over the evenings of Nov. 3rd, 5th and 7th. The registration link is here: https://us02web.zoom.us//tZMoc-usqDwtHNLtW9PcDouSgkqphwZsm Athletes may attend one, two or three courses. The Intro course is for those who have never taken a Leadership course, and the other two are for those who have taken a leadership course (including the Intro course). The ideal number of registrants for each course is 15 after which a waiting list will be created. It would be great to have some Barrie athletes attend - Have Fun!

Happy Thanksgiving to the whole Special Olympics community! What are YOU thankful for? Share with us in the comments!

We all know that Barrie's Special Olympics programs are as AWESOME as they are because of the tremendous volunteer COACHES who help to make great things happen! Not only during National Coaches Week but every day, we say #ThanksCoach!

There is still time to join the first-ever Global Torch Run, taking place in a virtual format on Saturday, September 19th! Help Torch Run Ontario raise $33,000 which is the goal this year and take a chance of winning amazing top fundraiser prizes. Remember that 100% of ALL fundraising stays local! https://give.specialolympicsontario.com/torc/events/global/ Thanks, Jason H., for reminding us about this GLOBAL and VIRTUAL event! #GlobalTorchRun

Special Olympics Ontario has announced the Provincial Award recipients for 2020: https://www1.specialolympicsontario.com/2020-awards/. Our very own Community Coordinator extraordinaire Dawn Windross has been selected as the 2020 Volunteer of the Year! That's from across the WHOLE province! Thanks, Dawn, for being a steady leader for this great community of Special Olympics athletes, volunteers, family, and supporters. Congratulations!

SOO-Barrie athletes know where to shop for healthy food Big thanks to Sobeys, Foodland, Safeway for their continued wonderful support of Special Olympics programs across Canada! Special Olympics Canada Special Olympics Ontario

Many members of special Olympics council and athletes attended this Kiwanis sponsored event. Dancing in the rain with a lot of friendship and wet clothes but mostly fun.

While we will all miss the excitement of Kempenfest at the waterfront this weekend, you can check out their online offerings of music, food and vendors! Visit their facebook page Kempenfest or visit https://kempenfest.com/. SOO-Barrie's important community partner - the Kiwanis Club - has always been a big part of Kempenfest. Be sure to continue to support this great Barrie tradition!

Get out the popcorn! Be sure to tune in to this evening's Open Ceremonies for the Provincial Virtual Games, and again on Thursday for the Closing Ceremonies. You might see some familiar faces! Opening Ceremony TODAY - Tuesday July 21, 6pm EDT LIVE at http://2020springgames.com/opening-ceremony/ or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsOntario Closing Ceremony Thursday July 23, 6pm EDT LIVE at http://2020springgames.com/closing-ceremony.../ or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsOntario All athletes are welcome to sign up for the Games events like cooking classes, Netflix parties, and of course Thursday evening's dance!: http://2020springgames.com/event/. ps. Aaron did a great job on day 1 of the H-A-W-K-S basketball shoot-off tournament!

There are already lots of Barrie athletes participating in the SOO Virtual Games - and we hope to see many more! If you don't know it already, here's the link to register: http://2020springgames.com/. Take part in challenges across five sports: swimming basketball powerlifting rhythmic gym and tenpin bowling . ALL athletes can take part in ANY challenges! Entries are being received until Sunday, July 19th at 9pm. Next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday will include lots of online activities including an online dance for registered participants. Good luck!

Proud to be Canadian, eh!

Hope everyone saw Sam Windross on the news at 6 pm he did Special Olympics proud. Enjoy a sampling of his thoughts.

Hope you enjoyed your pizza party. We sure did. Domino’s has the best pizza in town. Yum!

Thanks to Domino’s for the 1/2 price coupons for pizza to celebrate Special Olympics Barrie.

Today has been declared Barrie Special Olympics Day by the Barrie Council and the City of Barrie. Celebrate the day by at 10:30 joining our on line workout. (Send me a quick email and will send you a link) At 11:00 put on your Special Olympics shirt and going for a half an hour walk through your neighbourhood. Look for your neighbour’s cheering you on. Then join the virtual dance party. (Send me an email and I will send you the link). Any way you choose have CELEBRATE!!! This day was made for you.

Special Olympics Barrie had its flag raised high at hall this week. Go for a picture and share your experience with us.

Send an email to [email protected] and you will receive a link to the PARTY!!!

Some dads work behind the scenes and don’t ask for praise. They do it for there sons and daughters so they can shine through you. Thanks to Jeff’s dad Rick for all you’ve given to Special Olympics. Nice float by the way.

From coaching on the field of play to cheering from the stands, Special Olympics across Canada is grateful for all the amazing father figures out there today - and every day! From athletes across Canada - Happy Father's Day!

Remember to register for Special Olympics Barrie day on June 27, 2020. Message through Facebook or Instagram for the day to get your gift bag. You can also send an email to [email protected]. However you do it hurry time is almost up..... hurry! Special thanks to our sponsors from Foodland of Stroud and Domino’s of Barrie.

Please see below for an important message that all Special Olympics programs will remain suspended until July 31st, 2020. Keep up with all the great virtual events at the Special Olympics Healthy @ Home website, take in the weekly virtual practice in each summer sport (as in, you can do a workout each day of the week for six weeks!), and make sure you continue with lots of walking for the Walk the World With Me challenge! https://sohealthyathome.ca/... https://sohealthyathome.ca/virtual-summer-practices/ https://walktheworldwithme.com/ SOO-Barrie hopes everyone is looking forward to Special Olympics Day in Barrie, on June 27th.

Hey Barrie - Look who it is: it's Coach Mary! Mary Mitchell is leading us through a season opener track & field workout. Follow along on your own device in your own space. Stay tuned to Special Olympics Ontario for more sport-specific workouts in each summer sport over the next six weeks. #StayActive and #HealthyAtHome!

We know that there are lots of younger athletes with SOO-Barrie who are busy staying active at home! You are invited to take part in a virtual Sports Festival - all info is below

The first ever Special Olympics Ontario 2020 Virtual School Championships kick off today! Join Special Olympics Ontario School Championships and Kingston Police... for the month of June to connect, compete and celebrate virtually! For student-athletes ages 13-21 across Canada. Check out the Games website for details and more details to come! http://schoolchamps.ca #SOOSchoolChamps

Nicely done, Emily! We're sure your friends appreciate your special messages If anyone else would like to share a message, post a picture in the comments below!

Hey #SpecialOlympics athletes & volunteers! Are you accessing (or maybe not able to access) the online offerings through #SOHealthyAtHome? Let us know what you think of it all at a quick online survey: https://forms.gle/XkewtkFBWkoQtcaA6 Your feedback is appreciated so that planning can continue for fun and engaging online programs and activities. The survey is open until Friday at 1pm!

It's National Police Week, and Barrie's own DC Sarah Bamford is Ryan's guest on Friday's "From the Stands" facebook live event! Be sure to tune in at noon this Friday, May 15th!

PROVINCE OF ONTARIO In response to COVID-19, the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services has expanded the list of eligible expenses under the Passport program to support people and their families while community-based activities and settings are closed. These changes allow you to use your funding for goods and services that may make it easier for you to stay at home during this time and practice physical distancing. Temporary changes to eligible expenses...Continue reading

Remember your friends are out there. Think about them and call, text, or shout out on social media. Just say hi.

Barrie Special Olympics had an exciting game of catch. All from the safety of their own homes. It is fun to connect through sport and friendship

Jeff can’t use a computer very well so he social distance to some very good friends.

This National Volunteer Week, we thank YOU - the Barrie volunteers - who do what YOU do for our awesome programs! Take a moment to share YOUR WHY: http://whyivolunteersoc.ca #WhyIVolunteerSOC

Hey Barrie Athletes - get your walking shoes on and be part of a NATIONAL cross-country challenge! Read below for details. Stay safe!

Hi Everyone I hope you are all doing well and staying safe. I am sending you this update in what is happening in the Special Olympics World both locally and provincially. As everyone is aware, the pandemic situation is changing daily, and predictions on the length of time that the crisis may last with it. With that in mind, the information I am passing along is the most recent decisions regarding Special Olympics sports. Return dates remain fluid changing with rec...ommendations from the Ontario Board of Health and Special Olympics Ontario. At present, all Special Olympics Barrie sports are cancelled and our summer registration postponed until June. This decision is reflective of the ruling of the City of Barrie and the local school boards who have cancelled all field permits until June 7th. I am very hopeful that we can have a summer sports season, although it maybe shorter than normal. Unfortunately, this has also forced the postponement of Dustin’s Slow Pitch For Special Olympics fundraiser. I know this is very disappointing, especially for our softball players. I did speak to Dustin and he hopes to run the tournament in the fall. Now, for some good news. While you have been sitting at home , Special Olympics Ontario has been busy working on ways for Athletes, families, coaches and volunteers, to stay fit, fight off boredom, and feel connected. Special Olympics Ontario has launched a website and newsletter Healthy @ Home. The organization has also included weekly wellness challenges and live virtual workouts. Sign up http://www.specialolympicsontario.com/subscribe Ryan Colpitts, the Athlete Leadership Coordinator is reaching to athletes with support from an athlete’s perception. You can connect with Ryan at [email protected] The Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run Is sending out a fun challenge , the Freezing for a Reason at Home, Virtual Polar Plunge. Checkout all the fun at their website POLARPLUNGE.ca. You can also connect with your fellow athletes and our local club through social media. All of the local links are available on the Special Olympics Barrie website. http://barrie.specialolympicsontario.ca For specific questions or support please don’t hesitate to reach out to your coach or me, Dawn Windross your Community Coordinator at [email protected]. Do you know an athlete without access to the internet? Special Olympics is committed to connecting with all of our athletes. Please pass their name and phone number to along to me, and someone from Special Olympics will reach out to the athlete to provide vocal information and support. I wish everyone a Happy Easter, Talk soon, take care Dawn Windross Community Coordinator Special Olympics Barrie

https://www1.specialolympicsontario.com//games-announceme/

Please contact [email protected] or 1-888-333-5515 ext. 311 for any questions.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Special Olympics Ontario has closed our provincial office and suspended all local sport programs, competitions, fundraisers and any related activities until July 29, 2020.

While we might not be able to get together at a practice, at school, competition or fundraiser - that doesn't mean that we can't continue on being the great con...nected and supportive community that we are! Healthy @ Home - a way to stay connected, stay active, stay positive and stay informed. Head on over to www.specialolympicsontario.com to find new content such as videos, strategies, resources and more! New material will be available on a weekly basis. Be sure to tag @SpecialOlympicsOntario and share ways you are staying connected, staying active, staying positive and informed! #SOOHealthyAtHome

In consultation with local and provincial health authorities, our partners and Waterloo Regional Police Service & Kingston Police, we have taken the difficult d...ecision to postpone the 2020 Waterloo Region Provincial Spring Games and cancel the 2020 Provincial School Championships in Kingston. For more information and updates, please visit the Special Olympics Ontario website at: https://www.specialolympicsontario.com/c/games-announcement POSTPONED: 2020 Provincial Spring Games Waterloo Region Our focus, like yours, is on our families, friends, neighbors and the communities where we live. This will be very difficult on the athletes who have qualified and were looking forward to competing against their peers on a Provincial stage. The organizers, and the many volunteers are saddened as well. The many hours of dedication and support is put on hold, for now. At this time, there is no rescheduled date as EVERYONE, especially our friends at the Waterloo Regional Police Service need to focus on the safety, security and support of the community. Once we get this behind us, we will all work together to host GAMES in this great Region. CANCELLED: 2020 Provincial School Championships Kingston This will be very disappointing to the many athletes, teachers and partners who have looked forward to this annual event; the culmination of our Special Olympics School program that supports over 11,000 athletes across the province. We will get through this together, then reestablish and work in unison to support our Special Olympics athletes in their programs across Ontario. The city of Kingston and the Kingston Police have been planning and working on hosting the best games ever for the youth athletes. They remain committed and look forward to hosting in the future.

In consultation with local and provincial health authorities and Special Olympics programs across Canada, please be advised that Special Olympics Ontario is con...tinuing its directive that all local sport programs, competitions, fundraisers and related activities continue to be suspended until April 30, 2020. We will continue to monitor and evaluate the status of the pandemic on a month-to-month basis and advise you on or before April 30th regarding the future status of our programs. Special Olympics Ontario staff are hard at work on a number of initiatives focused on keeping athletes, volunteers and partners active, connected, informed and positive through this very difficult time. For more information and updates, please visit the Special Olympics Ontario website at: https://www1.specialolympicsontario.com/covid-19-updates/ Should you have any questions or would like to speak with a staff person please email [email protected] or call 1-888-333-5515 ext. 311 to leave a voice message and we will follow up with you. Stay Safe Everyone!

Thank you for being part of Special Olympics Ontario - Barrie's social media community. Website: http://barrie.specialolympicsontario.ca/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barriespecialolympics/ twitter: https://twitter.com/SooBarrie Enjoy being connected!

Yes there is fear. Yes there is isolation. Yes there is panic buying. Yes there is sickness. Yes there is even death.... But, They say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise You can hear the birds again. They say that after just a few weeks of quiet The sky is no longer thick with fumes But blue and grey and clear. They say that in the streets of Assisi People are singing to each other across the empty squares, keeping their windows open so that those who are alone may hear the sounds of family around them. They say that a hotel in the West of Ireland Is offering free meals and delivery to the housebound. Today a young woman I know is busy spreading fliers with her number through the neighbourhood So that the elders may have someone to call on. Today Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and Temples are preparing to welcome and shelter the homeless, the sick, the weary All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting All over the world people are looking at their neighbours in a new way All over the world people are waking up to a new reality To how big we really are. To how little control we really have. To what really matters. To Love. So we pray and we remember that Yes there is fear. But there does not have to be hate. Yes there is isolation. But there does not have to be loneliness. Yes there is panic buying. But there does not have to be meanness. Yes there is sickness. But there does not have to be disease of the soul Yes there is even death. But there can always be a rebirth of love. Wake to the choices you make as to how to live now. Today, breathe. Listen, behind the factory noises of your panic The birds are singing again The sky is clearing, Spring is coming, And we are always encompassed by Love. Open the windows of your soul And though you may not be able to touch across the empty square, Sing. See more

Please read the following important advisory on how the Covid-19 situation is affecting your sports. Stay safe everyone - social distancing, handwashing, and monitoring any of your symptoms are all important at this time.

Are any athletes interested in being a HEALTH MESSENGER with Special Olympics Ontario? Join this full-day specific Athlete Leadership Program training at Rotary Place in Orillia on Sat. April 18. This training encourages athletes to develop healthy lifestyles, influence other athletes to lead healthier lives, advocate within their communities for inclusion around health and wellness services, and develop leaders to advocate for the health needs of people with an intellectual disability. Athletes are encouraged to attend with a mentor (family member, support person, volunteer). Register here: https://www1.specialolympicsontario.com//athlete-leadersh/.

It was a fantastic end-of-winter weekend for local snow sport athletes, spending Saturday at Horseshoe Resort for a day of fitness, fun & food!

Well - the Special Olympics National Winter Games held this week in Thunder Bay are done and dusted, and the athletes and coaches are bringing home great memories - and well-earned medals! For a list of results, visit https://www.specialolympics.ca/special-olympics-canada-wint to select by sport or by athlete. Barrie was well-represented in Nordic (pictured) and Alpine skiing, Snowshoeing, and 5-pin bowling. Bravo, team! #StrONgHearts

Congrats to the Strikers on your great performance today. Wish I could have been there. A good time was had by all. Thanks to Margaret and her crew.

Today in Sweden, Sam won gold and Val won silver in the Slalom. Tomorrow Super G.

6 Barrie athletes and 6 coaches attended training camp at arrowhead in Huntsville this weekend in preparation for national games

A great time was had by all at our 5 pin Christmas party. Volunteers and athletes enjoyed all the treats and had fun playing games

Check out our sponsor page in the Barrie Advance. A big thank you. Without them we could not be as successful as we are. Many, many thanks

Please pass this important event to all your family and friends who would enjoy such a great program.

Well what a day! Awesome tournament in Oshawa. 17 from 27 athletes medaled. All had a super time. We also had a Gilligans Island three hour cruise by land. I have never been back country roads from Oshawa. Never thought we would get home.

A BIG thank you to our @SooBarrie #SpecialOlympics volunteers and athletes for coming out tonight to support the @SOOntario 50/50 draw! @LETRBarrie @torchrunontario @OHLBarrieColts @BarriePolice

The Barrie Sports Hall of Fame induction was a great accomplishment for both athletes and it was a very proud moment for them, their families as well as Special Olympics Barrie. It was an automatic induction awarded to athletes who medaled on the World stage. Cathy medaled in Los Angeles for athletics and Jeff in South Korea for snowshoeing.