Special Olympics Manitoba –
Land Acknowledgement

Special Olympics Manitoba acknowledges the work we do to support a thriving amateur sport community takes place on the traditional lands and waterways of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Anisininew, Dakota Oyate, and Denesuline, as well as the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. We respect the spirit and intent of the treaties made here and are grateful to work, live, and play on this land, while working toward advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action 87-91.

As an organization that operates on the ancestral lands covered by Treaty 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 10, as well as the lands of the unsigned Dakota Nations, we all have a responsibility to commit to ongoing reconciliation. Special Olympics Manitoba is committed to advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action #87 – 91, which highlight the role of sports and recreation as tools for empowerment and reconciliation with Indigenous communities.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Actions 87-91 relate specifically to sport and recreation. They can be found here on the Government of Canada website.

Recognizing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day Through the Story of Kim Fontaine, Athlete and Advocate

For this year’s Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day, Special Olympics Canada acknowledges the vibrant and warm-hearted Kim Fontaine: an athlete and self-advocate from Manitoba.

Throughout her many years in Special Olympics, Kim has swam, snowshoed, played floor hockey and participated in athletics. Now, she does 5-pin bowling and bocce, having recently won a silver medal in bowling at the Special Olympics Canada 2024 National Games in Calgary.

Identifying as someone of Indigenous descent, Kim was born in the Norway House Cree Nation, and currently lives in Winnipeg with her adoptive family…

Read the full story on the Special Olympics Canada website.

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Shamattawa First Nation teen wins gold at Special Olympics World Winter Games

“A gold medal at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games for 15-year-old Cory Beardy had friends, family and supporters cheering last week.

Beardy, a cross-country skier from Shamattawa First Nation who lives in Thompson, Man., won gold for Canada in the 4x1K relay – free technique, with teammates John O’Neil, Sarah McCarthy and Marley Gayler.

He took part in multiple cross country skiing events during the games, including a fifth place finish in the 500-metre classic race and a fourth place finish in the 1K classic race.”

Read the full story by CBC News reporter Stefan Richard.