Kingston Police: ‘Draft an Athlete’ for Special Olympics Ontario School Championships
Kingston Police have partnered with Special Olympics Ontario for the 2023 Special Olympics Ontario School Championships, which will be held here in Kingston next month.
According to a release from Kingston Police, the School Championships will welcome over 800 student-athletes from across Ontario to the Limestone City. From June 6 to 8, 2023, high-school-aged athletes will be competing in five sports at different venues across the city:
- Basketball – Queen’s University Athletics & Recreation Centre (ARC)
- Bocce – Queen’s University Nixon Field
- Soccer – Queen’s University Tindall Field
- Floor Hockey – Cataraqui Arena
- Track and Field – Invista Centre
In response to Kingstonist inquiries, Kingston Police said that the events are all free of charge and they invite the public to attend the Opening Ceremonies as well, which will take place at the Queens ARC main gym on Tuesday, Jun. 6 at 7 p.m. Final details are still being worked out — including which schools will be attending — but police said a schedule should be available in “the next week or so.”
Kingston Police are also promoting the Draft an Athlete program. Draft an Athlete is a fundraising campaign that helps Special Olympics athletes and teams
achieve their dreams of competing in regional, provincial, national, or world competitions. With the support of individuals and businesses, Special Olympics Ontario can continue to remove financial barriers to ensure athletes and their families only need to concentrate on the competition and their positive experience while at the Games, assuming related costs such as transportation, accommodations, meals, and more, according to the release.
“Kingston Police will support the School Championships in every way possible by drafting our own athletes, participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run to raise funds on June 6, and having both sworn and civilian personnel donate their time over the three days to ensure a safe and successful games,” police said.
While any amount is greatly appreciated, Kingston Police noted that donations of $250 or more to fully draft an athlete will be recognized through:
- Special Olympics Ontario’s social media plan highlighting the donation
- Recognition on the Draft an Athlete website
- Recognition in the Commemorative Championship Program
- Thank you letter and 100 per cent tax receipt
Watch Acting Chief Scott Fraser promoting the School Championships with local L.C.V.I. athlete, Max Davidson:
Learn more about the 2023 Special Olympics Ontario School Championships on their website.