University of British Columbia Okanagan
who are we
motionball is a national non-profit organization that empowers young Canadians to be leaders in their communities, raising funds and awareness for Special Olympics through integrated social and sporting events. Our mandate is to introduce the next generation of donors, volunteers and sponsors to the Special Olympics movement through integrated social and sporting events.
At University of British Columbia Okanagan, we’re working to ensure that individuals with intellectual disabilities living in British Columbia are included, supported, and celebrated. We create relevant, meaningful experiences for university students to give back to their community, while building relationships with local Special Olympics athletes.
what do we do
motionball SCHOOL hosts integrated events on and off campus throughout the year with the goal of engaging students and Special Olympics athletes in our community. Check out our Instagram page @motionballuokanagan to follow along with events we’re hosting this year as we look ahead to motionball’s flagship event, Marathon of Sport happening on March 22nd.
Follow us on instagram
MARATHON OF SPORT
what is a marathon of sport
Marathon of Sport is motionball’s flagship event that brings together university students and local Special Olympics athletes for a fun and inclusive day of sport. As students play alongside Special Olympics athletes, they have the opportunity to experience the power of inclusion, sportsmanship, and community building. Marathon of Sport welcomes Customize School Name community to a full day event that puts the fun back into giving!
get involved!
meet our event directors
Every motionball committee is run by volunteer student leaders who are passionate about making a difference on their campus.
Lauren Voros
Lauren is a fourth-year Health and Exercise Sciences student at UBC Okanagan, specializing in Clinical Exercise Physiology. She joined the Kelowna motionball committee last year in a team recruitment role and was instantly inspired after experiencing the Marathon of Sport, where she saw firsthand the power of inclusive sport alongside Special Olympics athletes. This led her to step into the role of Co-Event Director for motionballU UBCO alongside Robin. Lauren is passionate about sport, inclusivity, mental health, and using movement to support cardiovascular and holistic wellness. She is currently completing her practicum at COACH Cardiac Rehabilitation, and hopes to one day become a cardiologist while continuing to advocate for inclusive, community-based physical activity.
Robin Despres
Robin is a fifth-year Human Kinetics student at UBC Okanagan and has been involved with motionball for the past three years through the UBCO committee, as well as two years on the Kelowna Motionball committee. This year, he stepped into the role of Co-Event Director for motionballU UBCO. His first experience with Motionball immediately showed him how impactful the Marathon of Sport is in bringing students and Special Olympics athletes together through inclusive competition and connection. Over the past three years, Robin has loved being part of an event that celebrates ability, teamwork, and community, and he looks forward to continuing to support Motionball and the Special Olympics movement well into the future. Following graduation, Robin hopes to pursue a career in medicine and attend medical school.
why your support matters
This day not only brings awareness to the Special Olympics movement, but allows people with and without intellectual disabilities to interact, build lifelong friendships, and ultimately create more inclusive communities.
By making a donation to motionball or by entering a Team to participate, you’re helping to ensure that our friends at Special Olympics can continue to participate in the sport programs they love.
#NOGOODWAY
motionball for Special Olympics follows a transparent funding model that ensures the long-term sustainability of Special Olympics programs across the country. motionball is proud to donate 70% of the funds raised from this event to Special Olympics PROVINCE. This funding is directed to support programs for local athletes in the community. 25% is directed to the Special Olympics Canada Foundation, whose mission is to ensure the long-term financial integrity of the Special Olympics movement in Canada and to fund long term athlete and volunteer growth. The remaining 5% will help grow the #NoGoodWay Campaign aiming 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.
For any questions about out funding model, please reach out to us at info@motionball.com.
Thank you to our motionballU 2025-2026 Presenting Partner:
motionball is proud to be sponsored nationally by:
