GUELPH, Ontario – On May 14, 2025, the annual Special Olympics Track and Field Day will be held at the St. James sports fields in Guelph.
More than 1300 athletes, peer coaches, staff and volunteers will be present as athletes from multiple Upper Grand District School Board and Wellington Catholic District School Board schools compete in track and field and adaptive events.
“For over 20 years, we've celebrated the incredible spirit of Special Olympians - athletes who show us what it means to work hard, lift each other up, and have fun every step of the way,” said Nicole Wilson, Wellington Catholic DSB special education resource teacher and event committee member. “With every event, we live this year’s motto: Make Today Awesome!”
This event, which sees students of all ages, is a partnership between the UGDSB, Wellington Catholic DSB, Ontario Special Olympics, Community Living Guelph/Wellington, Guelph Police and the City of Guelph.
“We are so excited to have the opportunity to celebrate our athletes,” said April King, UGDSB’s Principal of Special Education 12-K and Accessibility. “We are grateful for the volunteers, staff, families, and community members who have offered support and look forward to a joy-filled day.”
Participants will compete in 100M, 200M, standing long jump, running long jump, soft ball throw as well as adaptive events for those with physical challenges, which include basketball shooting, pop bottle bowling, They Shoot/They Score, t-ball hitting and an obstacle course.
Well over one hundred volunteers make this day possible, including a planning committee which consists of representatives from the UGDSB, Wellington Catholic DSB, Special Olympics Ontario, Community Agencies and volunteers.
The opening ceremony will start at 10 a.m. at the St. James Catholic High School sports fields, all are welcome to attend and cheer on the student-athletes.
Media notes:
· Students who are unable to be pictured in photographs and video will be wearing blue ribbons.
· The May 14 event in Guelph will include schools from Centre Wellington and Guelph. A Special Olympics event will also be held on May 21 for UGDSB schools in North Wellington and Dufferin (separate media release to come).
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Media contacts:
Heather Loney
Communications and Public Relations Manager
Upper Grand District School Board
Nicole Wilson
Special Education Resource Teacher
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School
Wellington Catholic District School Board