It’s an event where community members partner with the same athletes for whom they are fundraising. “Motionball is a charity that supports Special Olympics Canada, and it’s our flagship event,” said Justin Mulligan, the London event organizer at Oakridge Secondary School. “I like to describe it as recess-style games. It’s very inclusive, and people from all walks of life can play the games we offer. It’s all about the athletes, interacting with them and providing a safe environment for them.” Teams are typically made up of corporate or university groups that use the fundraising event as a team-building exercise or simply a day of fun. Over the past 25 years, the movement has raised close to $23 million for Special Olympics. Motionball operates in 20 cities and on 30 university campuses, hosting more than 50 events each year. Those recess-style games include bench ball, basketball, giant pong, ultimate frisbee, soccer and bean bag toss. “Motionball was kind of exciting because the people were very, very happy to join us together,” said Surrey Barnham, a London Special Olympics athlete. “Special Olympics is very fun. I would say it was pretty good because what people love about Special Olympics is they can do anything and be proud of themselves.” Special Olympics athlete Riley Been was excited to participate for the first time. “I’ve been playing basketball and bench ball and ping pong,” said Been. “I like Special Olympics because I can be with my friends.” You would be hard-pressed to find a more enthusiastic athlete than Valentina Mejia. “I love the fun games,” she said with a massive grin. “I enjoy my friends, and I enjoy my teammates, too.” Mulligan said reading about or seeing the event does not fully capture its spirit. “You have to participate to understand the magnitude,” he said. “They’re just so happy when they show up and they’re ready to go. They love life. They’re always smiling. We had somebody who came directly from the hospital today because he couldn’t miss this event. He had to get out of there and come here, and it just shows their spirit. They just want to have fun and participate.”
