Brantford is set to host the 2025 Special Olympics Ontario Provincial Summer Games from July 10 to 13, welcoming over 900 athletes from across Ontario.
Presented by the Wayne Gretzky Foundation, the multi-sport event will feature athletics, bocce, golf, soccer, and softball, serving as a premier competition for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
The Games, organized in partnership with the Brantford Police Service, Six Nations Police, and the Ontario Provincial Police, will be the largest multi-sport event for individuals with intellectual disabilities in Canada in 2025.
Athletes will also have the opportunity to qualify for the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat, Alberta.
Patty Mitchell, a committee member for the Games, described the event as a transformative experience for athletes and the community.
“These Games are like a mini-Olympics. The opening and closing ceremonies create a magical atmosphere, and this is an opportunity for athletes to showcase their talents on a major stage,” she said.
For the first time, three policing jurisdictions—Brantford Police, OPP, and Six Nations Police—are working together to organize the Provincial Games.
Mitchell highlighted the collaborative effort behind the event. “We are extremely fortunate to have the support of these police services to ensure the success of the Games,” she said.
With preparations underway, organizers are now calling for volunteers to assist with event logistics.
“We need between 500 and 600 volunteers to help run the Games. From assisting at venues to coordinating events, there are plenty of ways for people to get involved,” Mitchell said.
Beyond the competition, the Games are expected to have a significant social and economic impact on Brantford and the surrounding region.
Local businesses and organizations, including the Gretzky Foundation and TD Bank, have pledged support.
“The energy of the Games will bring people together, and we hope to see strong community support for the athletes,” Mitchell said.
The community can also contribute by participating in fundraising efforts such as the Polar Plunge, which will help cover costs associated with the Games.
“Funds raised will ensure athletes have proper accommodations and services during their time in Brantford. They will stay in an Athlete Village, where they can build friendships and celebrate their achievements,” Mitchell said.
With anticipation growing, organizers encourage businesses, volunteers, and spectators to take part in making the 2025 Special Olympics Ontario Provincial Summer Games a landmark event for inclusion and athletic excellence.
