On June 3, in Ottawa, some 1,500 athletes, trainers, educators, volunteers, family, and friends took part in the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics School Championship Provincials held at the Fieldhouse at Carleton University. Eight hundred of them were high school athletes who have trained all year for the opportunity to compete for the next two days here in Ottawa. This was the first time these championships were held in Ottawa.

Speakers at the event included Special Olympians Troy, Sophie, and John (some will remember John as the Special Olympian who helped drop the puck during the Flying Fathers vs. Knights of Columbus hockey game on April 27 in support of Special Olympics).

Given the long-standing relationship between the Special Olympics and the Knights of Columbus since 1968, we were invited to take part in the ceremony.