Embedded Files
Special Olympics Ontario (SOO) is a volunteer-driven organization with over 20,000 athletes and 10,000 volunteers registered across the province.
In the Ottawa area, programs run year-round, almost every day of the week, and take place in schools, community centres, parks, and sports facilities throughout the city. Special Olympics Ottawa is a community of over 500 athletes and more than 300 volunteers, offering more than 30 programs across 25 sports.
We welcome athletes as young as 2 years old, beginning with Active Start and FUNdamentals, where children build basic movement skills and confidence through play. As athletes grow, they can participate in Youth Multisport (ages 13–21), where they explore a variety of sports and continue developing their abilities.
At the heart of Special Olympics Ottawa are our core sport programs, aimed toward athletes 13 and older find their potential through meaningful training and competition!
Every facet of our community is dedicated to enriching the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through sport.
Spring/Summer 2026 Sports Registration – Now Open!
Spring/Summer 2026 Sports Registration – Now Open!
We are now accepting registration for the Spring/Summer 2026 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.
Exciting changes are happening this year as SO Ottawa continues working to improve availability of our programs!
Some highlights for this summer include:
🏃♂️ Athletics (Track & Field) – This program is always in high demand, and we are exploring ways to increase availability by considering new locations and offering two streams (for athletes aged 13–21 and athletes aged 22+). As details related to location, dates, and times are still being finalized, registered athletes will be contacted as soon as more information becomes available. A full refund will be provided to anyone unable to attend due to changes in schedule or location.
🏓 Pickleball – Building on the popularity of this sport and the success of last year’s pilot, we are excited to introduce a second pickleball program, now offered in Kemptville on Saturdays. Athletes are encouraged to register for the option that best fits their schedule.
🤸 Youth Programs – This summer, we are offering two youth program options to support year-round participation for younger athletes. Athletes aged 7–12 can register for FUNdamentals, while those aged 13–21 can take part in Youth Multisport—an engaging program designed to expose participants to a variety of sports. This experience helps athletes discover their interests, build on their strengths, and develop the confidence and skills that foster a lifelong love of sport.
🥎 Softball – Athletes are encouraged to register for the program (Explorers or Trailblazers) that best matches their abilities. More information to help guide this selection can be found here.
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 12, 6-7 pm
Location: Nepean Sportsplex (1701 Woodroffe Ave, Ottawa)
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 - registration form and waiver will be added shortly!
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!
Summer Sport Programs - 2026.pdfSee our registration FAQs and Registration Form: Ottawa - Forms and Resources
New for coaches
New for coaches
Quick Reference Cards for Coaches and Team Managers.pdfParticipant Waiver Media Opt Out Form Updated Dec 1 2021.pdfSummer Registration Form - 2026.docx.pdf
Volunteer With Us
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
Stay Connected
Tips, tricks and challenges to help you connect with your friends, coaches and Special Olympics while practicing social distancing.
Stay Active
Stay Active
Virtual activities and challenges you can do to stay active and fit from home!
Stay Positive
Stay Positive
Tools and resources to maintain the mental health of the Special Olympics community.
Stay Informed
Stay Informed
Information to help you understand COVID-19 and help you stay safe.
Your donations go a long way!
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.
Report abuse