The multi-year agreement gives a home to more than 450 local athletes
Abilities Centre and Special Olympics Ontario (SOO) announced a new strategic partnership that will give Special Olympics athletes in Durham Region consistent access to high-quality training and competition space for years to come.
Special Olympics Ontario has been searching for a permanent home in Durham Region where its athletes could train and compete close to their communities. This investment helps make that vision a reality, funding key upgrades to Abilities Centre facilities, including improvements to the Jim Flaherty Fieldhouse.
“Every athlete deserves the chance to challenge themselves, celebrate their wins, and be part of a community that believes in them,” said Michael Cvitkovic, president and CEO of Abilities Centre. “We’re honoured to stand alongside Special Olympics Ontario and help build something that will matter to Durham Region athletes, coaches, and families for generations.”
This collaboration is designed to establish Abilities Centre as a long-term home for Special Olympics programming in Durham Region, supporting a mix of programming, such as youth fundamentals, a Unified Program run jointly with Durham school boards, and rhythmic gymnastics, alongside provincial competitions, including basketball tournaments and a women’s 3×3 basketball event.
Over the course of the agreement, the two organizations are working toward several shared goals such as:
- Reducing barriers to consistent, accessible training and competition space.
- Expanding regular sport opportunities for youth and adult athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Building a sustainable home for provincial and regional competitions.
- Recruiting and training additional Special Olympics Ontario volunteer coaches and officials.
- Strengthening referral pathways with schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations.
- Improving athlete retention through reliable, year-round programming.
Abilities Centre will also offer discounted memberships to Durham Region Special Olympics athletes and their families and will recognize the collaboration with dedicated signage in the facility’s main lobby.
“Strong Special Olympics communities are built when athletes have a place to belong, grow and compete year after year,” said Cody Jansma, president and CEO of Special Olympics Ontario. “This partnership is about more than securing space, it’s about building a sustainable home for Special Olympics in Durham Region and creating a model for how we can strengthen community programming across Ontario. We’re incredibly grateful to Abilities Centre and the Four Oaks Foundation for sharing that vision.”
This alliance builds on Abilities Centre’s mandate as a world-class accessible facility and community hub and reflects a shared commitment between the two organizations to advancing inclusion, dignity, and belonging for people with intellectual disabilities through sport.
“Having a place to truly call home means everything to our athletes, volunteers and families,” said Donna Edwards, Greater Durham Special Olympics Community coordinator. “It provides the consistency our athletes need to thrive, empowers our coaches and volunteers, and allows us to welcome even more members into the Special Olympics family. This partnership gives our community the long-awaited stability and opportunity we’ve worked so hard to build.”
This collaboration was made possible through the generosity of the Four Oaks Foundation, a leading Canadian philanthropic organization.
About Abilities Centre
Abilities Centre is a state-of-the-art facility in Whitby, Ontario, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people of all ages and abilities. Through innovative programs in health and fitness, arts and culture, and life skills development, the Centre fosters inclusivity and empowers individuals to achieve their full potential. The mission is to reimagine accessibility and redefine the way Canadians live, work, and play. For more information about the Abilities Centre and its programs, please visit abilitiescentre.org.
About Special Olympics Ontario
Special Olympics Ontario is dedicated to enriching the lives of Ontarians with intellectual disabilities through the transformative power of sport. Through year-round sport training, competition, health, leadership and community programming, Special Olympics Ontario provides athletes with opportunities to develop skills, build confidence, form lasting friendships and achieve their personal best. Powered by a dedicated network of volunteers, coaches, families, partners and supporters across the province, Special Olympics Ontario is building more inclusive communities where people with intellectual disabilities are respected, valued and empowered to reach their full potential. To learn more, visit SpecialOlympicsOntario.com.
Media Contact – Abilities Centre
Matisse Hamel-Nelis
Manager, Marketing and Communications
Email: mhamel-nelis@abilitiescentre.org
Telephone: 905-665-8500 ext. 222