Inclusive day of sport returns to the lakefront
Kelowna will host the return of motionball’s Marathon of Sport at City Park on Saturday, Sept. 19, a full-day event pairing community teams with Special Olympics athletes for friendly competition and fundraising. Organizers say the schedule runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with more than 40 teams and 60 Special Olympics athletes expected to take part.
The local edition is part of motionball’s national effort to support the Special Olympics Canada Foundation, with Kelowna organizers setting a $175,000 fundraising goal. Registration is already described as more than 75 per cent full, and teams are being urged to finalize entries while space remains.
How the format works
Teams of eight to 10 participants will be matched with Special Olympics athletes across a slate of sports and activities throughout the park. Organizers emphasize that athletic experience is not required, and residents without a full team can register individually to be placed with one, broadening access for first-time participants and returning supporters alike.
Participants receive breakfast, lunch, an event T‑shirt and ball cap. The day also features a live DJ, raffles, prizes and awards, creating a festival atmosphere alongside the competition. While the program centres on sport, organizers underscore its deeper purpose: pairing community members with Special Olympics athletes to spotlight inclusion and shared achievement.
“Marathon of Sport is about so much more than the games,” said Kelsey Hanna, co‑event director for motionball Kelowna. “It brings our community together and creates meaningful opportunities for participants to compete alongside Special Olympics athletes, build friendships and experience inclusion firsthand. With more than half of our team spots already filled, we are excited to build on that momentum and make this our largest event yet.”
Why it matters for Kelowna
For local residents, the event offers a straightforward way to contribute to Special Olympics programming by combining fundraising with a day of activity on the downtown waterfront. Because teams can include participants with a wide range of abilities—and individuals may join without a pre‑formed roster—the format is intended to lower barriers and draw in supporters who may not typically enter traditional tournaments.
City Park’s central location further positions the event within easy reach of participants and spectators, with the event’s structure allowing broad community involvement beyond those on the field. Raffles and awards extend engagement throughout the day, while the paired format encourages sustained interaction between community members and Special Olympics athletes.
Event at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, Sept. 19 |
| Time | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Location | City Park, Kelowna |
| Teams expected | 40+ |
| Special Olympics athletes | 60 |
| Fundraising goal | $175,000 |
| Team size | 8–10 participants |
| Registration status | 75%+ full |
What participants can expect
- Competition across multiple sports and activities alongside Special Olympics athletes
- Meals and participant gear, including a T‑shirt and ball cap
- On‑site entertainment with a live DJ, plus raffles, prizes and awards
- Options to join as an individual or as part of a full team
Organizers note the Marathon of Sport channels funds to Special Olympics programs across Canada, aligning local community participation with broader national support for athletes with intellectual disabilities. With registration already nearing capacity, teams and individuals interested in taking part are encouraged to secure a spot in the coming weeks.
