SPECIAL OLYMPICS ONTARIO:
DRAFT AN ATHLETE

The Waterloo Regional Police Service and Special Olympics Ontario are proud to launch the Draft an Athlete program in support of the 2024 Provincial Spring Games.

The Draft an Athlete program provides an opportunity for community members and organizations to donate $500 to sponsor a competing athlete in the upcoming Provincial Spring Games, which will be hosted in Waterloo Region from May 23, 2024, to May 26, 2024.

Each $500 donation will help cover expenses associated with the Games including travel, food, accommodations, and competition fees.

More than 2,500 athletes, coaches, staff, and volunteers will come together to be part of this incredible event and allow Waterloo Region the opportunity to showcase its community and hospitality. The Games will feature five sports: basketball, swimming, rhythmic gymnastics, powerlifting and 10-pin bowling.

Police services throughout Ontario have been hosting the Special Olympics Ontario Provincial Games since 1996. This is the first time the Waterloo Regional Police Service will host. The Games were originally scheduled to occur in Waterloo Region in 2020 but were postponed due to public health risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are incredibly honoured to have another opportunity to showcase the hard work and talent of these athletes,” said Mark Crowell, Chief of Police. “The Draft an Athlete program allows members of our community to be a part of these Games while making a profound difference in the life of an athlete. By helping offset the financial costs, we can make sure each athlete gets the chance to compete and turn their dreams into reality.”

The Draft an Athlete program will be officially launched during a press conference at police Headquarters on Friday, March 8, 2024, at 1 p.m.

Special Olympics is a national organization dedicated to promoting respect, acceptance, inclusion and human dignity for people with intellectual disabilities through sports.

To learn more about the Draft an Athlete program or to donate, visit https://provincialgames.com/draft-an-athlete.