Events

EVENTS

MARATHON OF SPORT

Currently in 17 cities and 35+ Universities across Canada, with over 700 teams and 12,500 supporters raising funds and awareness for the Special Olympics Canada Foundation, Marathon of Sport is our flagship property.

Marathon of Sport is a fun-filled day of athletic competition where young professionals spend a day playing sports with Special Olympics athletes from their communities.

motionballU

We believe that the next generation of Canadians, today’s students and young professionals, are the future of the Special Olympics movement – with the power to make a meaningful difference for generations to come. The motionball University program was established to provide Canadian students with a new and engaging way to give back, while gaining valuable experience and developing unparalleled leadership skills.

Running today on over 35+ University campuses, coast to coast, the motionballU program is engaging more young people in the Special Olympics movement than ever before. To get involved with motionballU, please email sarah@motionball.com.

Learn more about the opportunity to bring motionballU to your campus:

motionball GALA

motionball Gala events are a perfect mix of philanthropy and fun. Network with the next generation of young professionals, experience a night of entertainment and celebrate the Special Olympic athletes who make it all worthwhile.

motionball Galas currently take place in Toronto, Calgary, Montreal, and Halifax.

Stay tuned for more information on our motionball Gala events for 2024!

Entering a Standard Team

Entering a Standard Team

Is there a fee to participate?

There is no registration fee to participate – this event is FREE for all Canadians and Special Olympics athletes. With no registration fee, participants will not be receiving a starter kit (hat and shirt) but these will be easy to earn as your fundraise!

Do we need to fundraise?

Fundraising is optional, but strongly encouraged. We know that fundraising may be a challenge this year, and encourage everyone to do what they can! All registered participants will be provided with a personal donation link and fundraising tools automatically. All those who fundraise will be eligible to earn incentives, including motionball gear, Under Armour gear and more.

Is there a minimum number of participants required per Team?

No – and there is no maximum either! Each team requires one captain and at least one other teammate. We recommend signing up with at least a few friends, to help reach your team’s personal fundraising goal, and to follow along with on event day. There is also an option to sign up as an individual.

Will my team be assigned a Special Olympics athlete?

Yes! All teams will be paired with a local Special Olympics athlete. At a typical Marathon of Sport, you’d be meeting your athlete on event day. This year, you and your team will have the chance to learn more about and meet your Special Olympics athletes virtually within a few days of registering! This will give you a few weeks to engage with your athlete, and make them feel like a part of the team. On event day, you can connect with your athlete online or  in-person (if permitted).

Is there an age limit for participants this year?

No! All Canadians are welcome to participate for 2020. Team captains must be at least 18 years of age, but there is no minimum age for all other participants. A parent or guardian will be required to sign off a waiver on behalf of any participant under the age of 18.

Our National Partners

motionball Marathon of Sport is sponsored nationally by

Home

motionball is a national not-for-profit organization with a mandate to introduce the next generation of donors, volunteers and sponsors to the Special Olympics movement through integrated social and sporting events.

ABOUT

motionball now proudly hosts 50+ annual events in 18 Canadian cities and on 35+ university campuses. Through these events and as a result of the many individuals, partners and organizations that have supported the movement, motionball has donated over $19,000,000 net since its inception in 2002.

motionballu

The next generation of leaders are joining the Special Olympics movement - one campus at a time.

galas

Giving back to the community is a cause for celebration,
and we throw the very best.

marathon of sport

Bringing athletes of all abilities together on the playing field.

NEXT EVENTS


Join motionball supporters as we
EDUCATE. INTEGRATE. CELEBRATE
in support of Special Olympics.

OUR IMPACT

All of motionball’s proceeds go directly to the Special Olympics Canada Foundation (SOCF-charity # 869562041 RR0001). At motionball’s request, 70% of the funds raised within each province are then sent to the affiliated Special Olympics Provincial Chapter. For example, at the motionball Marathon of Sport Toronto, 70% of all funds raised are directed to Special Olympics Ontario. This is to ensure we are helping fund the grassroots level organizations that provide life changing sport & social community programming for over 50,000 Canadians who have an intellectual disability. It also helps the local Special Olympics Chapter in paying for team uniforms, tournament costs, travel expenses, equipment and the “Healthy Athlete” programs.

In accordance with our belief in making a sustainable national impact, 25% of funds raised at motionball events stay with the Special Olympics Canada Foundation. This annual allocation of funds supports the Foundation in it’s objective to reach more Special Olympics athletes with programs across the country, and to recruit & train new volunteer coaches. Together, we are working to ensure the long-term financial and organizational stability of the Special Olympics movement.

The remaining 5% of funds raised are directed to the #NoGoodWay Campaign which aims to end the use of the R-word (retard) in everyday conversation. We’re encouraging Canadians to make the choice to eliminate the R-word from their vocabulary and empower them to take #NoGoodWay to their circles of influence.

DONATING

Support Special Olympics athletes in your community, province, and across the country by making a donation today. Your dollars ensure those with intellectual disabilities in Canada have access to the sports they love. For every $1 invested in Special Olympics Community Sport Programs in Canada, a minimum of $7 of social benefit is created through improved athlete physical and mental health and increased athlete employment.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK

motionball Toronto’s Young Professionals Network is a group of young leaders, philanthropists, and influencers who are committed to strengthening the support of the Special Olympics movement - creating inclusive communities and removing barriers for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The purpose of the network is to provide an opportunity for young professionals to develop their personal and professional networks while making a difference in new and innovative ways. In becoming a member of the motionball Toronto Young Professionals network, you’ll have the power to make a meaningful difference by contributing to the success of motionball Toronto’s signature events.

As a member, you’ll receive exclusive invitations to networking & panel events, early access to event tickets and the opportunity to be part of a community of young leaders and philanthropists, and so much more!

motionball’s National Office is here to help you start the right conversations and use the right resources to get the ball rolling for your company’s involvement!

If you’d like to talk about getting involved with motionball, please reach out to torontoypn@motionball.com anytime!

OUR PARTNERS

There are many ways to get involved with motionball. Learn how we can work together to change the lives of individuals living with an intellectual disability here.

#NOGOODWAY

There's #nogoodway to use the r-word. Use your voice. Make the choice.

motionball’s #NoGoodWay Campaign aims to end the use of the R-word (retard) in everyday conversation. We’re encouraging Canadians to make the choice to eliminate the R-word from their vocabulary and empower them to take #NoGoodWay to their circles of influence.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

Join us for the
motionball Calgary Gala
April 26, 2024

At palace theatre

Support our
#NOGOODWAY Campaign

A national anti-bullying campaign to end the use of the R-word

motionball
IS A NATIONAL
NON-PROFIT

Raising funds and awareness on behalf of the Special Olympics Movement in Canada

INCLUSIVE SPORT
& SOCIAL EVENTS

In 17 cities and on 35+ University Campuses

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