Countdown commences for North Bay’s 2027 Special Olympics Winter Games

A one-year countdown to the 2027 Special Olympics Ontario Winter Games is on. North Bay will host roughly 400 unique athletes in events like curling and skiing.

The countdown is officially on with less than one year remaining, the City of North Bay is preparing to welcome approximately 400 athletes and at least 1,000 spectators for the 2027 Special Olympics Winter Games. The official countdown commenced Tuesday morning with Special Olympics Ontario, city representatives and the North Bay Police Service, which serves as the host organization, unveiling the tournament’s logo.

North Bay Police Chief Daryl Longworth emphasized the deep-rooted support from the law enforcement community.

“The Special Olympics has been a charity of choice of the Police Association of Ontario since 1996. I’m happy to carry on that tradition here,” Longworth said.

“I was willing to make the commitment that we would host because I know this community rallies and will rise to the occasion and support this 100 per cent.”

Excitement mounts as line-up announced

Local athlete Carley Tucker, a hopeful who competed when North Bay last hosted in 2015, expressed her anticipation to CTV News.

“I’m excited because my family and friends will be able to come and watch and they don’t have to travel as far,” Tucker said.

Having previously won two gold medals in snowshoeing and a national silver medal, Tucker is now focused on qualification.

“We’re heading to Sault Ste. Marie March 21 and 22 for qualifying and we’re hoping to do our best and then hopefully qualify for next year’s winter games.”

The games will feature curling, alpine and cross-country skiing, figure skating and snowshoeing across five city venues. These include the soon-to-be-completed Lakeshore Drive twin-pad arena and community recreation centre. The provincial competition will serve as a qualifier for over 400 athletes vying for a spot at the 2028 National Special Olympics Winter Games in Kelowna, B.C., with potential progression to international competition.

Mission for inclusion

Special Olympics Ontario President and CEO Cody Jansma framed the event as a broader celebration.

“It’s a celebration of acceptance and inclusion,” Jansma said.

“What we do is we’re supporting our organization. But we’re so much more than that. We provide a platform for individuals with special needs to excel on and off the playing field.”

To successfully host the games, the organizing committee must recruit an army of volunteers and raise at least $550,000.

Fundraising initiatives are underway. Tim Hortons will offer a special doughnut from Jan. 30 to Feb. 1, with all proceeds supporting sports programs for athletes with an intellectual disability across Canada; since 2022, this campaign has raised over $3.4 million.

Merv Shantz, the manager of the North Bay event, highlighted local efforts.

“We do have some major events. The polar plunge is coming up,” Shantz said.

“We’ve already run the big-ticket game here at the Battalion game, where we pass the bucket and ask for donations. That was a huge success.”

Beyond the athletic spectacle, the games aim to cement a lasting legacy of inclusion and community support.