Spirit Wear Launched!

Special Olympics Burlington is SO excited to launch our very own range of spirit wear, that athletes, families, coaches, volunteers – and any one who loves Special Olympics Burlington – can be proud to wear any time, any where!

All items are available to purchase online from now until September 30 and should be delivered by the end of October. Depending on the success, we plan to do this once each year at the beginning of the fall/winter season, so don’t miss out!

Simply visit www.tategear.com/bso to order! You will see our awesome range including t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, sweat pants, hoodie, shorts and baseball cap. Pay directly online.

Please note:

This site is designed for schools/colleges, so where it says student please enter your name – and rather than selecting a class/teacher, you will be able to select any Special Olympics Burlington team you belong to, then all of your spirit wear will be delivered straight to your coach to be distributed at practice.

What sizes are available?

You can purchase all huge range of sizes, from x-small youth all the way to 4XL adult!

Worried about choosing the right sizing or how the item will feel?

We will have a limited amount of samples (no logo) at sign up night next week for you to f

eel the material or decide on the right size for you.

Want to purchase as a gift without someone knowing?

There is an option when your order to purchase these items as a gift (great for Christmas or birthdays!), in which case we will be able to discreetly give you items without your athlete knowing.

When can you wear the clothing?

These items do not replace any team uniforms you already have or are required to wear at competitions or meets. You can wear these to practices, to competitions/meets if your sport doesn’t require uniform – or any time you like!

Just remember to put your name in all your items so they don’t get lost.

When will you receive your order?

Orders should be ready around the end of October, and your coach (from the team you select when you place your order online) will bring your items to practice as soon as they arrive.

We can’t wait to see everyone kitted out in their brand new Special Olympics Burlingtonspirit wear. Check out www.tategear.com/bso to get yours!

Coach Helen

Success for Our National Athletes!

August 10, 2018August 26, 2018 Special Olympics Burlington News

Special Olympics Burlington was SO proud to have two of our athletes and Coach Cate attend the Special Olympics National Games in Antagonish, Nova Scotia, representing Team Ontario! An incredibly opportunity and wonderful memories made.

Zoe represented for Track and Field – and Sarah for Rhymthic Gymnastics. Coach Cate brought her never ending enthusiasm, energy, mentoring and of course FUN to Ontario’s Rhythmic Gymnastics team.

Zoe achieved a big medal tally, with Bronze in Long Jump, Silver in Javelin and GOLD in the 400M. Well done Zoe!

Congratulations also to Sarah – who returned with an incredible 6 medals, including a silver all around in the top division of Rhythmic Gymnastics. Wow! Way to go Sarah, and her mom, Mary, who coached her with the Oakville Butterflies.

Our athletes at Special Olympics Burlington never cease to inspire. With this year being Provincial Qualifiers once again, we’re behind all our athletes rooting for them to shine!

Summer Sport Sign Up

March 15, 2018April 8, 2018 Special Olympics Burlington News

Spring is in the air…and we are excited about summer sports starting soon!

The Special Olympics Burlington Summer Sports season will be starting in May. We are looking forward to an active season. Registration for all summer sports will be on :

THURSDAY, APRIL 26 FROM 6:30 PM TO 8:00 PM

At the HABER COMMUNITY SPORTS CENTRE, 1050 DOBBIE DRIVE, BURLINGTON

The cost for each sport is $50 for the season (except golf, see below). Please bring cash or cheque on sign-up night. The cost includes any/all competition registration costs.

SOCCER – Sherwood Forest soccer field, Wed. evenings from 6 to 7 pm beginning May 23 – indoor practice will be held at Burloak Indoor Site starting on Wednesday April 19for returning soccer players only. Outside practice for all players including new players will be May 23. ( ages 12 and over )

COMPETITIVE SOFTBALL – Brant Hills Community Centre Diamonds, Thurs. evenings from 6:30 to 8pm starting May 17 ( weather permitting) (ages 12 and over)

BOCCE – LaSalle Park Bocce Courts, Tuesday evenings 6:30 to 8:30 starting May 22 ( athletes will be split into two groups 6:30 to 7:30 and 7:30 to 8:30 ) (ages 10 and older)

TRACK AND FIELD – MM Robinson Track, Monday evenings from 6:30 to 8pm starting May 7 (Weather permitting) (ages 8 and older)

GOLF – Tuesday evenings – Burlington Springs Golf and Country Club. Starting date TBA – there is no charge for golf registration as there is a weekly cost of $15 for driving range, cart use and green fees. ( ages 12 and older) New and possibly returning athletes will have to take a 4 week group lesson program (2 hours/session) – cost last year was $168 for the lesson program).

ALL NEW AND RETURNING ATHLETES must fill out a full athlete information/medical form.

The forms are attached so that you can complete and bring them with you on registration night. If you do not bring them, you will be required to complete them onsite before you can register. A Coach’s page is required for EACH sport an athlete is joining. Only one CODE OF CONDUCT form needs to be completed for the season. This is for ALL ATHELETES BOTH OLD AND NEW. Even if you did these forms last year, you will be required to do them again. An up to date email address will be required for all athletes for communication.

Generous Donation Blows Us Away

March 4, 2018April 8, 2018 Special Olympics Burlington News

Special Olympics Burlington is incredibly thankful for the unbelievably generous donation from Compass Point Bible Church, announced in March, 2018.

Image may contain: 7 people, people smiling, people standing — Athletes proud to accept the generous donation

We have a number of families who attend the church and last month, Laura, one of our rhythmic gymnasts and swimmers, nominated Special Olympics Burlington for the annual BIG GIVE . The BIG GIVE, in its third year at the church, is the donation of one Sunday’s collection in order to support a worthy cause in the community. This year, after a meeting with the selection committee, Special Olympics Burlington was successful. Prior to selection our athletes Laura, John, Kyle and Rachel, along with Coach Stu White and Community Co-ordinator Cate Hawkins, made a presentation at Sunday service. They told the congregation about how Special Olympics Burlington has changed the lives of athletes and families in our community. The following week, donations for the BIG GIVE were collected.

Laura, John, Kyle and Rachel joined Cate Hawkins in receiving the donation from Compass Point Bible Church for $43, 922.50. Yes, you read that right….$43,922.50!

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.

“Thanks to everyone at the Compass Point Bible Church for their amazing support and for making a difference in the lives of individuals with an intellectual disability. This will have an enormous impact on the continued growth of Special Olympics in Burlington.”

Special Olympics Ontario

New Active Start Program Launches!

September 12, 2017April 8, 2018 Special Olympics Burlington News

Special Olympics Burlington is proud to launch a brand new 8 week program for children with an intellectual disability aged 2-6!

The Active Start Program relies on the rationale that if children with intellectual disabilities are provided early instruction in the areas of basic motor skills and developmentally appropriate play, that there is an excellent opportunity for improvement in physical, social and cognitive abilities. By participating in weekly activities that focus on the basic motor skills of manipulation, transport, and balance, children will then gain perspective on their development skills.

Each child will be mentored 1:1 with a Special Olympic athlete – as well as Special Olympics coaches who will run the program.

If you are interested in registering your child or know someone who is, please contact Cate Hawkins callcoachcate@gmail.com.

Winter Sport Sign Up

August 10, 2017 Special Olympics Burlington News

As the summer season comes to a close, we are already thinking about which winter sports to sign up for!

Sign Up night will be Thursday September 14 at the Frank Haber Community Centre on Tim Dobbie Drive in Burlington, 6 to 8 pm.

If you’re a new athlete, visit our Register page to find out the steps to join – and who to contact.

If you are a returning athlete, you know the drill! Fill out a Coach’s Page for each sport you would like to join (either beforehand or on the night) and bring your cheque book/cash payment ($25 – $100 per sport for the season).

All your coaches are looking forward to seeing some familiar and new faces!

Generous Local Community donates to the Eagles Golf Team

August 10, 2017 Special Olympics Burlington News

Just two requests to a Burlington and Oakville Facebook group, asking for donations for our golf team – that’s all it took to be swamped with equipment! Clubs, bags, shoes, towels, balls and tees were all donated by our amazing local community.

Our golfers are now more than ready for their second tournament opportunity this season, taking place in London Ontario. The athletes were absolutely delighted to receive all the equipment and this means that everyone is now able to practice on their own, outside of the regular Tuesday night Special Olympic practices.

The overwhelming response to a simple request shows that we are incredibly lucky to be part of such a kind, giving community in Halton Region. Thank you to everyone who donated!

(Picture coming soon!)

Track Athletes Rock the Provincial Games

July 16, 2017August 10, 2017 Special Olympics Burlington News

Congratulations to our Track and Field Athletes Katie, Mert and Zoe for bringing home handfuls of medals from the Ontario Special Olympics Provincials Games at the weekend.

Not only did they each achieve multiple Gold medals, but they were fantastic representatives for Special Olympics Burlington and for the South Central team. You rocked the orange and blue team colours!

It was a hot three days of competing in more ways than one. The summer weather did not disappoint – and the competition did not disappoint. 1500 athletes from all over Ontario came together to run, jump and throw – and the pressure did not get to Mert, Zoe and Katie at all!

Results to date (more updates to come):
Zoe – Gold in 100m, 200m and Standing Long Jump
Mert – Gold in Shot Put , Silver in the 200 M, Bronze in the 400m and Long Jump
Katie – Gold in Standing Long Jump and Mini Javelin, and Bronze in the 200 and 400m

What Provincials REALLY Meant

July 16, 2017August 10, 2017 Special Olympics Burlington News, Uncategorized

Opening Ceremony at the SOO Provincial Games 2017

Of course, the Ontario Provincial Games were both exciting and an incredible opportunity! Our Softball and Track and Field athletes did exceptionally well to qualify and we were SO proud of them.

But it really hits home just how much taking part in the Provincials – and being a part of this organization – means to individuals, when we see their personal messages of appreciation. Here are just a couple of examples of why we LOVE our Special Olympics Burlington community so much:

Softball athlete and Special Olympics Ambassador Amy sent this message…
“On the way home from a busy 4 days a little emotional saying goodbye to new friends. Reality hits when we getting back on the bus. I hope coach Kevin, coach Mary Ann and coach Carlo know how appreciative I am for helping us all season long. Especially when I’m down on myself they pick me up. To the Burlington Blues thanks for having my back and congrats guys we did it we should be very proud of ourselves.”

Track and Field athlete Katie’s family sent this message:
“Thanks for your encouragement regarding Katie. We have been blown away by Special Olympics – the dedication of the coaches and volunteers, and the difference it makes in the lives of the athletes is amazing. Katie has a lot to work on, but her self-esteem has grown immeasurably because she now has medals and ribbons and a Provincial Games to match her siblings. So thanks for welcoming us into the Burlington Club so generously.”

Bronze Medals for the Blues at Provincials

July 15, 2017August 10, 2017 Special Olympics Burlington News

Congratulations to the Burlington Blues who are bringing home Bronze in their division from the Summer Games!

The Region of Peel welcomed close to 800 athletes along with coaches, staff and spectators for the 2017 Special Olympics Ontario Provincial Summer Games. Our athletes trained hard to qualify – and the Games were truly their moment to shine. The camaraderie and excitement among the team was something special – and a great time was had by all.

The Blues played four very tough teams, winning two and losing two to proudly take home their bronze medals. Coaches Carlo, Kevin and Mary Ann were incredibly proud – and so are all of us at Special Olympics Burlington! Lots of family and friends turned out to cheer the team.

Congratulations Blues, what a team.