Dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals in Greater Ottawa with intellectual disabilities through the power of sport
Special Olympics Ontario (SOO) is a volunteer driven organization with over 20,000 athletes and 10,000 volunteers registered across the province. Athletes can participate from 8 years of age and have the opportunity to train in 19 core sports offered in the Ottawa Area. Active start and FUNdamentals programs are available for athletes starting at age 2.
SOO - Ottawa has over 1000 registered athletes and volunteers participating in community sport programs. Every facet of our community is dedicated to enriching the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.
What's New
The Nepean Sharks would like to extend their gratitude to the Jumpstart program. Jumpstart assists families across Canada in overcoming financial barriers to sport and play. With their generous support, the Sharks will be practicing at the Nepean Sportsplex pool from 8:00 am to 9:45 am on Saturdays and Sundays. This season, the Sharks will train to compete in swim meets in Ottawa, Brockville, Arnprior and Montreal.
Jumpstart believes in the power of community and has supported the training of Sharks swim coaches in the RESPECT in sport, a safe sport training program. Our roster of dedicated Sharks volunteers coach Athletes each week from September to May.
Watch the Sharks keep active during the year in the Photo Gallery section of this web-site. You will see photos of the Athletes and Coaches in Action.
To learn more about jumpstart visit: jumpstart.canadiantire.ca.
Spring/Summer 2025 Sports Registration – Now Open!
We are now accepting registration for Spring/Summer 2025 program lottery! To be eligible for the lottery, athletes must register before April 30th at 11:59pm EST. This applies for all sports that reach capacity. All registrations made by the deadline will be entered into the lottery.
Ways to register:
PREFERRED: Online - via https://soocommunity.crowdchange.ca/3717
Payment options: credit card, visa debit, Google pay
Please register one athlete at a time
Important: Please save your receipt when it is mailed to you. Receipts are mailed directly to the email provided at registration. The club treasurer may not have access to receipts.
OR: In-person
Date and time: April 15th, 6-8 pm
Location: Elmvale Public Library, 1910 St. Laurent Blvd
Payment options: cheque, cash, credit card, visa debit
Cheques can be made payable to “Special Olympics Ottawa”
Please bring filled out Registration Form and Participant Waiver with you, we'll have blank copies available on site if you don't have access to a printer.
One registration form and waiver per athlete
OR: Mail-in – Registration Form, waiver AND cheque (only payment option)
Registration Form is available attached to this announcement
The waiver can be found at the link here
Cheques can be made payable to “Special Olympics Ottawa”
Mailing address:
Special Olympics Ontario - Greater Ottawa
P.O. Box 23119
Ottawa, ON K2A 4E2
Did you know that if you are eligible for funding through Passport Ontario you may be able to submit a claim for your Special Olympics registration fees? Please check out the Service Ontario website for more information about the Passport program. Note that Special Olympics Ottawa does not facilitate funding or claims.
Summer Sport Programs:
Please note that athletes who are successful with registration (i.e., you are accepted through the lottery) will be contacted by their coach to confirm registration, start date / time / location / any special instructions!
See our registration FAQs and Registration Form: Ottawa - Forms and Resources
New for coaches
Quick Reference Cards for Coaches and Team Managers.pdfParticipant Waiver Media Opt Out Form Updated Dec 1 2021.pdfSummer Registration Form -2025.docx
Volunteer With Us
We're looking for some awesome volunteers to join the SOO - Ottawa family! There are a variety of volunteer positions to choose from. Check out how you can volunteer with us.
Click below for resources, tips and ideas to stay healthy from home!
Stay Connected
Tips, tricks and challenges to help you connect with your friends, coaches and Special Olympics while practicing social distancing.
Stay Active
Virtual activities and challenges you can do to stay active and fit from home!
Stay Positive
Tools and resources to maintain the mental health of the Special Olympics community.
Stay Informed
Information to help you understand COVID-19 and help you stay safe.
Your donations go a long way!
Special Olympics Ontario - Ottawa supports more than 650 athletes with intellectual disabilities. We're dedicated to enriching the lives of Ottawans with an intellectual disability through sport by promoting respect, acceptance, inclusion and human dignity. Our athletes have competed at the local, provincial, national and world levels, and this wouldn't be possible without the generous support of our community.
