Special Olympics Ontario
spring Games – Event Guide
Event Guide for Fans
Welcome to Waterloo Region – host of the 2024 Special Olympics Ontario Spring Games!
We are excited to welcome over 750 athletes from across Ontario to Waterloo Region to compete in five diverse and exciting sports: basketball, powerlifting, rhythmic gymnastics, swimming, and 10-pin bowling. These Games are the pinnacle of competition for Special Olympics athletes in Ontario and a celebration of the incredible abilities of individuals with an intellectual disability.
Explore Waterloo Region is happy to cheer on all of the athletes as they participate in the Spring Games, and invites everyone to join in the celebration to see firsthand that being a champion is more about spirit than it is about strength or body!
Opening and Closing Ceremonies
Be part of the Spring Games Opening and Closing ceremonies!
Both ceremonies take place at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex (101 Father David Bauer Dr, Waterloo, ON N2L 0B4).
- Opening Ceremonies: May 23, 7:30 PM EST
- Closing Ceremonies: May 25, 7:30 PM EST
Can’t make it to the venue? No problem! Join in the live stream of both ceremonies on Youtube and witness the excitement, spirit, and celebration of these incredible athletes from anywhere!
Competition Venues
Competitions will take place at the following venues:
BASKETBALL
Wilfrid Laurier Athletic Complex, 75 University Ave., W., Waterloo, ON | N2L 3C5
St. David C.S.S., 4 High St., Waterloo, ON | N2L 3X5
POWER LIFTING
Resurrection C.S.S., 455 University Ave W., Kitchener, ON | N2N 3B9
RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS
St. Benedict C.S.S., 50 Saginaw Pkwy., Cambridge, ON | N1R 5W1
SWIMMING
Wilfrid Laurier Athletic Complex, 75 University Ave., W., Waterloo, ON | N2L 3C5
Wilmot Recreation Complex, 1291 Nafziger Rd., Baden, ON | N3A 3H2
10 PIN BOWLING
Bowlero, 385 Frederick St., Kitchener, ON | N2H 2P2
Games and Schedule Information
Event schedules can be found on the Spring Games website or by using the link below.
Keep up-to-date on the action on social, and tag us on your Spring Game posts!
Special Olympics Ontario: Instagram , Facebook and X
Explore Waterloo Region Sport Hosting Office: Instagram (#ExploreWR)
All competitions at the Spring Games are free to attend.
Local Transportation
ION Light Rail Transit
ION is Waterloo Region’s light rail transit (LRT) system. It runs between Waterloo’s Conestoga Mall (the closest ION stop to RIM Park) and Kitchener’s Fairview Park Mall. ION trains connect passengers to the existing bus system (Grand River Transit), making it easy to travel across the region. Use their trip planner for information about routes and schedules.
Bus
Grand River Transit (GRT) is the public transit operator for the Region of Waterloo. It operates daily bus services in the region, primarily in the cities of Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo. GRT operates five iXpress routes that provide frequent, limited-stop express service along major corridors in Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo. It also operates Route 302 which runs between Fairway Station in Kitchener and Ainslie Street Terminal in Cambridge connecting riders to Route 301 ION light rail service. Route 302 offers express service similar to iXpress, but also features more comfortable high-back seats, free Wi-Fi and USB chargers.
GRT Schedules and Maps can be found here.
Between Matches
Whether you’re looking for a great place to eat, places to see or things to do, there’s lots to Explore in Waterloo Region!