Special Olympics Brockville Celebrates Successful Jumpstart Grant Supporting New Floorball Program

Brockville — Special Olympics Brockville is excited to announce the successful completion of its Jumpstart Program application, securing $8384.00 in funding that has made it possible to introduce Floorball to athletes across the region.

This support comes at a pivotal time, as Special Olympics Canada and Special Olympics Ontario transition away from traditional ringette-style floor hockey to officially recognize Floorball as the competitive standard for all future events.

Floorball is a fast-paced, accessible sport played with specialized sticks, protective equipment, and goalies outfitted with designated safety gear. The shift to this new format brings many benefits but also creates increased equipment costs for local programs. Thanks to Jumpstart, Special Olympics Brockville has been able to fully equip athletes with the proper gear needed to train, compete, and enjoy the new game safely.

Transition to Floorball a Resounding Success:

The impact of this equipment investment has been immediate and overwhelmingly positive. Athletes have responded with 100% approval, praising Floorball as fun, easy to learn, and enjoyable due to the enhanced passing and shooting experience created by the new sticks and ball.

Athlete Greg Hill shared: “Getting equipment for our teams has helped everyone be able to play and have equipment. We love Floorball and thank you to Jumpstart for helping us!”

“Allowing all of our athletes to participate and learn the game couldn’t happen without Jumpstart support. It is exciting to see the commitment and passion for sport our athletes are showing as we have started Floorball. Thank you Jumpstart for supporting the development of this sport for our region,” Special Olympics Floorball Coach Ryan Billing.

Community Partnerships Fuel Success

Special Olympics Brockville extends sincere thanks to Special Olympics Ontario for their guidance, expertise, and support throughout the application and transition process.

The organization also expresses deep appreciation to Jumpstart and to local Canadian Tire owner Rob Williams, whose insight and encouragement played a key role in securing funding for this important initiative.

“We’re proud to see Jumpstart supporting Special Olympics athletes here in Brockville. This funding helps remove barriers and ensures more individuals with special needs can experience the joy of sport, teamwork, and community,” said Rob Williams, Canadian Tire Brockville.

Celebrating the First Year of Floorball:

To mark this successful transition and celebrate the first official year of Floorball across the province, Special Olympics Brockville will host a multi-team tournament:

• March 28th
• Brockville Collegiate Institute (BCI)
• Featuring 10 teams from Brockville, Kingston, Renfrew, and Ottawa

This exciting event will bring together athletes from across Eastern Ontario for a day of competition, camaraderie, and celebration of this new and growing sport.

Special Olympics Brockville provides year-round programs for athletes with intellectual disabilities, fostering physical fitness, skill development, confidence, and community inclusion through sport