Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador

10/22/2026

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: MIKE AUSTIN!

We’re proud to share a recent feature from Special Olympics Canada highlighting Mike Austin of the Gander Wings! 🏅

From overcoming major heart surgeries to competing in four Special Olympics sports, working three part-time jobs, and having an arena named in his honour, Mike’s story is a wonderful example of determination, inclusion, and community spirit.

In recognition of Disability Employment Awareness Month, Mike’s journey reminds us of the importance of creating opportunities for everyone to thrive! 💙

👏 Read Mike’s inspiring story from Special Olympics Canada below!

https://www.specialolympics.ca/stories-and-news/mike-austin-has-multiple-jobs-two-of-which-are-special-olympic-canada-partners/

10/20/2026

Happening THIS Thursday! Join us for an informative session on healthy eating and sport. Registration: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/EyyE2SiafC

Thanks again to Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador Eat Great & Participate for partnering with us 👊

🥗 Upcoming Nutrition Session!

Join us on October 22nd from 7:00–8:00 PM for an informative virtual session with Marissa Park, Registered Dietitian and Program Specialist with Eat Great and Participate, a provincial program of Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador focused on creating supportive food environments in recreation, sport, and community settings.

Marissa became a Registered Dietitian in 2020 after graduating from Acadia University with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics.

During this session, Marissa will share helpful information about:

🍎 Eating well for physical activity
🥗 Balanced nutrition
🍌 Snack ideas
💧 The importance of proper hydration

Whether you're an athlete, coach, family member, or simply interested in learning more about nutrition and physical activity, this session is a great opportunity to learn practical tips for supporting healthy choices.

📅 October 22nd
⏰ 7:00–8:00 PM
💻 Virtual Session (ZOOM)

Interested in attending? Sign up using the link below!

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/EyyE2SiafC

10/07/2026

📣 SPECIAL OLYMPICS COACH WEBINAR SERIES 2026 🏅

Looking to grow your coaching skills and learn from coaches and leaders from around the world? 🌎 Two great webinars are coming up this October!

🏆 Unified Sports Coaching
📅 Tuesday, October 13
⏰ 10:30–11:30 AM NDT

Hear from experienced Unified Sports coaches and learn how you can bring their ideas, experiences and best practices into your own coaching.

🎤 Featuring speakers from Special Olympics Pakistan, Special Olympics Oregon, Special Olympics Berlin and Nike.

🏀 Coaching Youth Sport Athletes
📅 Thursday, October 15
⏰ 10:30–11:30 AM NDT

This session will focus on coaching youth athletes, particularly those under 21, with principles that can be applied across ages, abilities and sports.

🎤 Featuring speakers from Special Olympics Colorado, the German Basketball Federation, and Special Olympics Global Ambassador and volleyball legend Vanja Grbic.

💻 Register here and take advantage of these great learning opportunities!
👉 https://events.zoom.us/ev/AvXONhxh9L6HaSnV9qFLlwrG89u0yJEigAhpnD7B3kNjEEmDE1DM~AqdHT0S_9f2X4NVHBe8VD3nnJxSG2C1URNNSIkgq8uPXwU1zgdYyLvydrQ

10/02/2026

🥗 Upcoming Nutrition Session!

Join us on October 22nd from 7:00–8:00 PM for an informative virtual session with Marissa Park, Registered Dietitian and Program Specialist with Eat Great and Participate, a provincial program of Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador focused on creating supportive food environments in recreation, sport, and community settings.

Marissa became a Registered Dietitian in 2020 after graduating from Acadia University with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics.

During this session, Marissa will share helpful information about:

🍎 Eating well for physical activity
🥗 Balanced nutrition
🍌 Snack ideas
💧 The importance of proper hydration

Whether you're an athlete, coach, family member, or simply interested in learning more about nutrition and physical activity, this session is a great opportunity to learn practical tips for supporting healthy choices.

📅 October 22nd
⏰ 7:00–8:00 PM
💻 Virtual Session (ZOOM)

Interested in attending? Sign up using the link below!

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/EyyE2SiafC

10/02/2026

🦷 Upcoming Oral Health Session!

Join us on November 19th from 7:00–8:00 PM for an informative session with Katherine Peddle, Registered Dental Hygienist, founder and owner of Oral Health Center / Mobile Smiles NL Limited and Oral Health Director for Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador.

With 20 years of experience in oral health care, including extensive work with people living with disabilities and in long-term care, Katherine is passionate about making oral health care more accessible, respectful, and inclusive.

During this session, Katherine will share information and practical tips focused on oral health, prevention, accessibility, and removing barriers to care for people with disabilities, older adults, neurodivergent individuals, and those who require additional support.

Everyone deserves to feel safe, heard, respected, and included when receiving oral health care. 🧡

📅 November 19th
⏰ 7:00–8:00 PM
💻 Online Session (ZOOM)

Interested in attending? Sign up using the link below!

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/jXwSGasQhc

10/02/2026

💛 JOY IS GOLD! 💛

The Joy is Gold merchandise pre-sale is officially LIVE through Local Laundry!

Celebrate the joy of sport and show your support for Special Olympics by picking up some brand-new Joy is Gold gear, featuring a Special Olympics chapter patch with every item (Make sure to select NL).

🧢 Hats: $5 goes back to your selected chapter
👕 Tees: $10 goes back to your selected chapter
🧥 Crewnecks: $20 goes back to your selected chapter

Every purchase helps raise funds for Special Olympics while spreading awareness of the athletes, programs and communities that make our movement so special. ❤️

🛍️ Shop the Joy is Gold collection:
https://locallaundry.ca/collections/joy-is-gold

📅 Pre-sale closes October 16
📦 Orders are expected to ship in November.

When shopping, be sure to select Special Olympics Newfoundland & Labrador as your chapter so your purchase can help support athletes and programs right here in our province!

Help us spread the word by sharing this post with your family, friends and community. Let’s show the world that Joy is Gold! 💛

09/29/2026

Check out the incredible sales at our Thrift Store this week!

$1 clothing
50% off everything else (Halloween excluded)

Visit us at 1154 Topsail Road in Mount Pearl. Every purchase helps support SONL programming across our province

09/28/2026

🏅 ATHLETE EXPRESSION OF INTEREST: MOTIONBALL 2026! 🏅

Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador is gathering interest from athletes who would like to participate in the 2nd Annual motionball Marathon of Sport!

📅 Saturday, October 24, 2026
📍 PowerPlex, St. John’s

We are looking for athletes to join a sponsored team and take part in a fun-filled day of sports and activities! 🎉

Interested in being considered? Complete the Expression of Interest form by September 29.

👉 Please note: Completing the form does not guarantee selection. Only athletes who are selected will be contacted by SONL.

Thank you for your interest, and we look forward to hearing from you!
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/P0z75MvML8

09/25/2026

09/23/2026

🏆 RSVP Today and JOIN US FOR OUR AGM & PROVINCIAL AWARDS CEREMONY! 🏆

We’re getting closer to our Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador Annual General Meeting and Provincial Awards Night, and we want you to join us! ❤️

📅 Friday, October 16, 2026
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Ramada by Wyndham St. John’s (102 Kenmount Road, St. John’s)

We’ll begin the evening with our Annual General Meeting, followed by our Provincial Awards Ceremony, where we’ll celebrate the incredible achievements and contributions of our athletes, coaches, volunteers and supporters from across Newfoundland and Labrador. 🏅👏

If you’re planning to attend, please take a moment to complete our attendance form so we can plan accordingly.

👉 Register your attendance: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/ddSvcNH4aX

We look forward to seeing you there as we celebrate another incredible year with Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador! 🎉