UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA

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 Alberta, we’re working to ensure that individuals with intellectual disabilities living in Alberta 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 University of Alberta 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 @specialolympicsuab to follow along with events we’re hosting this year. Thank you to everyone that joined us on January 24th, 2026.

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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 University of Alberta community to a full day event that puts the fun back into giving!

get involved!

Questions? We are here to help! Contact us at sarah@motionball.com

meet our event directors

Every motionball committee is run by volunteer student leaders who are passionate about making a difference on their campus.

Lena Elchammouri

My name is Lena Elchammouri and I have been part of the University of Alberta’s motionballU chapter for the past three years as an Event Director. Over the years I have connected with many athletes and volunteers, and this community has shaped how I understand leadership and inclusion.

Salma Abdelhakim

My name is Salma Abdelhakim, and I’m excited to step into a new role as an Event Director with motionballU this year! Being involved has given me some of my favourite university memories, especially my first Marathon of Sport, which showed me how fun and welcoming the community is.

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 is empowering Canadians to lead with kindness and inclusion through the #NoGoodWay campaign – our national anti-bullying movement supporting Special Olympics athletes and all individuals with intellectual disabilities. We’re calling on Canadians to end the casual and harmful use of the r-word (retard) in everyday language.
Words matter. Choosing inclusive language creates safer, kinder spaces for thousands of Candians living with intellectual disabilities. Learn more and take the #NoGoodWay pledge at motionball.com/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: