Special Olympics Ontario Spring Games arrive in Waterloo region next week

More than 700 athletes will compete in a variety of sports, including basketball, swimming, powerlifting, rhythmic gymnastics and 10-pin bowling

Over 2,500 Special Olympics athletes, coaches, staff, spectators, and volunteers from across the province are coming to Waterloo region next week to compete in basketball, swimming, powerlifting, rhythmic gymnastics and 10-pin bowling.Photo provided

St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School will host the rhythmic gymnastics competition next Friday as Waterloo Region Police Service, in partnership with Special Olympics Ontario, kick off the 2024 Special Olympics Ontario Spring Games.

The games, taking place between May 23 to 26, will bring more than 2,500 athletes, coaches, staff, volunteers, and spectators to the region to celebrate the achievements and talents of Special Olympics athletes.

More than 700 athletes, including 35 from the Region of Waterloo, will be competing in a variety of sports, including basketball, swimming, powerlifting, rhythmic gymnastics and 10-pin bowling.

The Games kick off at 7:30 p.m. on May 23 with the Opening Ceremonies at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex, featuring a parade of athletes, musical guests, and the lighting of the Special Olympics Ontario cauldron.

The community is encouraged to watch throughout the weekend as the games bring together exceptional individuals from across the province to compete and showcase their talents.

A schedule of events open to the public can be found here and below:

Thursday, May 23