The city is contributing time and money to support the 2025 Special Olympics Ontario Provincial Summer Games in Brantford.
Article content
City councilors recently recommended for approval, plans to provide up to $50,000 in support of the games.
Support from the city includes the waiving of facility and field rental and permit fees for the games; preparation of John Wright Soccer Complex and Kiwanis Field for events; renting waste containers or dumpsters at the John Wright Soccer Complex for the event as well as renting up to five portable washrooms and two hand wash stations for those sites that don’t have adequate facilities.
The contribution also includes the renting of a shipping container at John Wright or another location for the storage of equipment. It also covers fees associated with advertising event on city buses.
As well, city staff, where feasible, will be allowed to volunteer their time during working hours to volunteer at the games.
Article content
“This is an incredible opportunity for our community as well as the athletes who are involved,” Coun. Mandy Samwell said at a recent city council committee meeting.
Coun. Dan McCreary noted that the city in 2023 held the Ontario 55-plus Summer Games and the event meant a lot to the community.
“Given our experience with the 55-plus games this is going to be a huge success,” McCreary said. “It’s so great to recognize some of the Special Olympic Athletes who live here and those coming from away.
“This is money well spent.”
Coun. Greg Martin said that as a past chair of the Brantford Police Services Board, he saw the commitment of the officers to Special Olympics.
“They’re dedicated to supporting Special Olympic athletes and I’m glad they were successful in winning the bid for the games,” Martin said.
Martin said the police department will be stepping up to make sure the event runs smoothly.
Brantford Brant Paramedic Service has also stepped up to provide support, Martin said.
The games take place July 10 to 13, 2025 and are being hosted by Brantford Police Service, Brant County OPP and Six Nations Police.
The event is a celebration of sport and inclusion and is expected to bring 900 athletes, their families and supporters to Brantford. It will be the largest multi-sport event for individuals with an intellectual disability in Canada in 2025.
twitter.com/EXPVBall
Share this article in your social network