2026 SPECIAL OLYMPICS ONTARIO SCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIPS

2026 SPECIAL OLYMPICS ONTARIO SCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIPS COMING TO LONDON

LONDON, ON (October 7, 2025) – Today marks the official countdown to the 2026 Special Olympics Ontario School Championships, as announced by Chief Thai Truong of the London Police Service and Cody Jansma, President & CEO of Special Olympics Ontario.

Today’s event took place at Lord Dorchester Secondary School, where the excitement for the upcoming games was evident. Scheduled for May 26–28, 2026, in London, the Championships will gather over 1,000 student-athletes, their coaches, and families from across Ontario and Canada. These athletes will compete in five sports: basketball, bocce, floorball, track & field, and soccer, with each competition organized into multiple ability levels to ensure fair and equal opportunities for all participants.

Today’s event also marked the launch of the ‘Draft a School” campaign, a province-wide initiative that invites individuals, schools, and businesses to support the journey of student-athletes to the Championships. Funds raised will help cover costs and ensure that every qualifying athlete has the opportunity to participate in this life-changing experience, at no cost to them. 

Chief Truong, serving as Honorary Chair of the 2026 School Championships, emphasized the significance of community support, stating: “Our goal is to see every school drafted. We know that London will rally behind these Games and these athletes. The London Police Service is honoured to welcome these amazing athletes to our community next May. Let the games begin, and let’s show up with incredible support for our young people!” 

Cody Jansma, President and CEO of Special Olympics Ontario expressed gratitude for the continued support: “We are the only Special Olympics program in the WORLD that has police services host our Games, and they have done so each and every year since 1996. As the official charity of choice for the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, we are grateful and honoured that LPS and the City of London are welcoming our athletes with open arms. Thank you all for being champions of acceptance and inclusion in your community.” 

Unified Champion Schools partners with all school boards across Ontario to maximize reach and impact. Today’s soccer competition was made possible through the leadership of the Thames Valley District School Board, whose commitment and support for inclusion have been instrumental in bringing this event to life. 

"Every student deserves to experience the spirit of friendly competition and sportsmanship,” said Bill Tucker, Director of Education. “The Special Olympics are a wonderful opportunity for student athletes to learn new skills, meet their peers and build lasting friendships. It's incredible to see so many volunteers, coaches and school communities rallying together to show their support. We're looking forward to cheering on our athletes at the Provincial School Championships this May!" 

The School Championships will embrace the three pillars of Unified Champion Schools: Inclusive Sport, Youth Leadership, and Whole-School Engagement. This celebration extends beyond competition, aiming to build inclusive school communities and inspire lasting change. Hosted by Western University and other venues across London, the Championships will feature competitions, ceremonies, and celebrations, with robust support from the London Police Service, local schools, and community partners. Leading up to the Games, the organizing committee will host awareness and fundraising events to engage the community and build excitement. 

For more information on the 2026 Special Olympics Ontario School Championships, or to learn how you can get involved or Draft a School, please visit www.schoolchamps.ca .

For media inquiries, contact:

Sgt. Sandasha Bough                
Media Relations Officer              
C. 519-854-8576                        
Email. Media Officer                   

Hayley Plante
Manager, Brand & Communications
C: 647-564-6575
Email: hayleyp@specialolympicsontario.com 

About the 2026 Special Olympics Ontario School Championships:

The City of London, Western University, and the London Police Service are proud to host the 2026 Special Olympics Ontario School Championships. Throughout the 2025/2026 academic year, thousands of student-athletes with and without intellectual disabilities will participate in qualifying competitions across Ontario, all striving for the opportunity to represent their schools at the Championships in London.

The School Championships are the signature showcase of Unified Champion Schools, bringing to life its three pillars: Inclusive Sport, Youth Leadership, and Whole-School Engagement. These programs empower students, foster healthier lifestyles, build lifelong friendships, and create school communities where everyone belongs.

Taking place May 26–28, 2026, the London Games will welcome over 1,000 student-athletes, along with their coaches, families, and supporters, for three inspiring days of competition and celebration.

For more information: www.schoolchamps.ca