Special Olympics Red Deer

07/16/2026

🔥 You're Invited! 🔥

Join us as we welcome the Alberta Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Final Leg team as they carry the Flame of Hope through Red Deer on its journey to the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat! ❤️💙

📅 - Saturday, August 8, 2026
🕥 -10:30 a.m.
📍 - Red Deer City Hall

We invite all Special Olympics Red Deer athletes, families, friends, coaches, volunteers, and supporters to come out and be part of this incredible celebration. Whether you'd like to join the Torch Run or simply cheer on the runners along the route, your support will help make this a memorable send-off for the Flame of Hope.

The morning will begin with a welcome ceremony at City Hall before the Torch Run travels through downtown Red Deer and finishes at the Red Deer Justice Centre.

We are also proud that Elizabeth Baril will be speaking on behalf of our Red Deer athletes during the ceremony.

Let's come together to celebrate the spirit of inclusion, determination, and community as we cheer on the journey to the 2026 National Games!

❤️ We hope to see everyone there!

07/15/2026

⚾ What an incredible day at the Gulls field!

Our Competitive Softball Team, who are gearing up to represent us at Nationals this August, enjoyed an unforgettable day at the ballpark! From a VIP stadium tour and watching batting practice to taking in an exciting doubleheader and enjoying plenty of delicious ballpark food, it was a fantastic experience for everyone.

Congratulations to Alex Fletcher tor winning the Snap Man Sprint! 🏃🎉

A special thank you to Marsha Orien for capturing so many wonderful photos and helping preserve the memories from such a fantastic day.

We would also like to extend a huge thank you to the Sylvan Lake Gulls for making this incredible experience possible. Your generosity and hospitality gave our athletes a day they'll never forget as they continue preparing for Nationals.

Good luck to our team as they head to Nationals this August—we're cheering you on every step of the way! 🥎❤️💙

07/07/2026

⚾❤️ What a wonderful way to wrap up another Special Olympics non-competitive baseball season!

Last night's season-ending game was filled with smiles, laughter, great teamwork, and plenty of fun. After the game, everyone enjoyed chips and pop while celebrating another fantastic season together.

A very special thank you goes out to Coach Elizabeth, who led our athletes throughout the season with kindness, patience, grace, and unwavering dedication. Her encouragement and genuine care helped create an environment where every athlete felt welcomed, supported, and celebrated. The impact she has made on this team will not be forgotten.

As Elizabeth steps down from her role as Head Coach, we want to thank her for everything she has done. While we're sad to see her leave this position, we wish her nothing but the very best in her next adventure and sincerely hope we'll still see her around the ball diamond as a casual assistant coach whenever she can.

A huge thank you as well to Assistant Coach Brian for putting together thoughtful goodie bags for each of our athletes. Your generosity and support helped make the evening even more special! As Brian considers taking on the role of Head Coach next season, we wish him the very best and look forward to seeing what the future holds.

To all of our athletes, families, volunteers, and supporters—thank you for another incredible season. We can't wait to see everyone back on the field next year!

💙⚾

07/07/2026

Community is at the heart of what we do. ❤️

The Red Deer Kinsmen were proud to present a $5,000 donation to Special Olympics Red Deer to help support the incredible athletes, coaches, and volunteers who make such a positive impact in our community.

07/03/2026

Special Olympics Red Deer Chairman Jerry Tennant received a $5000 cheque from Chris Klassen of the Kinsmen Club for purchasing equipment and uniforms for the new Floorball program. Thank you Kinsmen for your generosity.

06/19/2026

What an incredible way to wrap up the 2026 season for our Special Olympics Red Deer Powerlifting team! 💪🏋️‍♀️🍕

Tonight’s year-end mini mock meet and wrap-up pizza party was an absolute blast. It was so amazing to watch each athlete step up, give it their all, cheer one another on, and showcase just how much strength, determination, and confidence they’ve built over the season.

We are beyond proud of every single athlete. The hard work, dedication, and perseverance you have shown this year has been truly inspiring. Tonight was about celebrating *you* and everything you have accomplished.

Each athlete received a special award and commemorative towel as a small token of recognition for all of their effort and achievements this season.

A huge thank you to our athletes, families, caregivers, volunteers, and coaching staff for your continued support and commitment. This team is something truly special, and nights like tonight remind us exactly why we do what we do.

We had so much fun, shared lots of laughs (and pizza!), and made some wonderful memories together.

Have an amazing summer, everyone — we already can’t wait to see you all back next season! ❤️💙

06/17/2026

Thank you Eastview IGA for your continued support of our athletes!!

Pop on out and day hi to Mike and enjoy some BBQ!!!

Good day to our beautiful community!

With gratitude in our hearts we will be hosting a BBQ on Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 11am-2pm.

All proceeds from the BBQ will go to support athletes in the Special Olympics!

Be greeted by our very own gold medalist Mike! He will be sharing about his experience and what the Special Olympics means to him and those around him!

Come one, come all, rain or shine, we welcome you as you have welcomed us! Thank you for your ongoing support both within the community and with our ongoing campaign!

06/16/2026

What an incredible morning at the **Special Olympics Red Deer Celebrity Breakfast**! ☕🥞✨

We were honored to welcome our guest speakers, **Jocelyn Peterman** and **Brett Gallant**, two outstanding Olympic curlers, who shared their inspiring stories, insights, and passion for sport. Their message about dedication, perseverance, and teamwork truly resonated with everyone in attendance.

This event was a tremendous success, and it would not have been possible without the amazing support of our community. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who **sponsored, donated, purchased tables, and attended** this special event. Your generosity and support help make opportunities possible for our athletes and continue to strengthen the Special Olympics movement in Red Deer.

Thank you for believing in inclusion, empowerment, and the incredible abilities of our athletes. Together, we are making a difference. ❤️💙

04/28/2026

Greg Tisdale of ACE Casino presents Special Olympics Red Deer Chairman Jerry Tennant with a cheque for $2000.00. ACE Casino (formaly Cash Casino) has been a long time supporter of Special Olympics Red Deer thanks to Greg's interest in our mission to provide sport opportunities to individuals with an intellectual disability.

04/20/2026

🌟 **National Volunteer Week** 🌟

This week, Special Olympics Red Deer proudly celebrates and thanks the incredible volunteers who give their time, energy, and hearts to our athletes and community.

Your dedication helps create opportunities, friendships, confidence, and unforgettable moments for so many. From coaching, fundraising, organizing events, cheering from the sidelines, and lending a helping hand wherever needed — you are the heartbeat of our organization.

Because of you, lives are changed and dreams are made possible every single day. 💙💛

From all of us at Special Olympics Red Deer — thank you for being amazing, for showing up, and for making a difference. We appreciate you more than words can say.

International Volunteer Year is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to celebrate the power of civic participation and renew Canada’s culture of volunteering.