The KW Grizzlies began approximately 12 years ago with several coaches for the first year or two.  When I became involved, Lynton Lam was the head coach with Les Kiss as an assistant coach.

This was a Ontario Special Olympics Provincial games and I got involved because they needed a coach to accompany the athletes to Provincial Games.  I went to some practices so I could get a better understanding of the sport.  Then next thing I knew, it was just Les and me!   H-m-m-m!  Les was with us for about 6 years.  Don joined us as a coach after a couple of years.  Our group has ranged from 4 members to 17 over the years.

Several years ago, Don and I departed Special Olympics due to inequitable enforcement of policies and their commitment to segregated sports.  We started "Sports for Special" athletes, an integrated program.  We now have more members in this organization than we had with OSO and offer 11 sports.

We train at one day a week at Family Fitness in Kitchener and enter some of our athletes into regular competition - usually the London meet.  Most of our athletes are developmentally challenged although we do have a visually impaired and a physically challenged athletes.  In our organization, we also have participants who have acquired brain injuries.  Due to the physical impairments that resulted, they cannot keep pace with others their age.  We opened our doors a little wider to include them and they have enriched our association.

Don and I have always believed in 'giving back' to the associations who have done so much for our athletes.  That is one reason we became referees.  I also believe that it makes us better coaches.  I also referee in speed skating and announce games at some of the more prestigious softball & fast pitch competitions in KW.  Don referees floor hockey and softball.

In all our sports, we integrate our athletes into regular training and/or community competitions.  We believe that our special athletes deserve to be included in the community.  One way of doing it is through sports and it works well.  Sports for Special Athletes is a community based volunteer organization.   We are incorporated as a 'not for profit' association and should have our charitable tax status by the summer.

We host an annual competition with the Golden Triangle Powerlifting Club's annual deadlift open.  We supply the facility and they supply the equipment and announcer.  Don and I referee at theirs and some of their members referee for ours.  It has always worked very well.  This year they will also be hosting the Intermediate competition on the same day.  I'm sure it will be a great success.

Our athletes have always received great encouragement from their fellow members in the OPA and are proud to carry their membership cards.  Those who can read really enjoy the newsletters and read them from cover to cover.  They quiz  us about things that they have read about - often before we have a chance to read ours!

The OPA has always been a good friend to all special athletes and for this, we thank you!  This is an important affiliation for our athletes - one which we intend to continue in future years.