Special Olympics CEO hopes House of Commons honour garners extra funding

Special Olympics Canada CEO Sharon Bollenbach said it was a “historic” day to have the team honoured in such a way, but was also hoping it serves as a reminder to the government when it comes to making budget decisions.

Bollenbach is seeking an extension of incremental funding granted to Special Olympics Canada in 2014 which expires at the end of March.

The former government gave the organization $10.8 million over four years on top of its regular $2.8 million in annual funding. Bollenbach has requested $14 million over the next four years.

Bollenbach said since 2014, athlete registrations have increased by 19 per cent and volunteer participation is up 20 per cent.

“We are offering more programs in more communities and more athletes are experiencing the transformative power and joy of sport,” Bollenbach said, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stood to her side at a reception following the ceremony.

In his speech, Trudeau did not directly address the funding request. The Special Olympics “attest to the life changing power of sport, something all Canadians should have the opportunity to experience,” he said.

Speed skater Evan James, from Spruce Grove, Alta., said the standing ovation in the House of Commons was “one of those big big moments.”

“Like just as good as representing the country on the world stage and wearing the maple leaf on our uniforms,” he said, his gold and silver medals hanging around his neck. “It just means so much.”

Mia Rabson, The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

Special Olympics CEO hopes House of Commons honour garners extra funding

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