Special Olympics Burlington Karate Team Journey to Worlds

In April 2022 we started the first Special Olympics Burlington Karate team with the goal of creating an inclusive environment where our athletes could learn martial arts and gain confidence and improved health. Our athletes have been excelling and earning their belts. In September of 2023, we advocated to the World Karate Commission to include our athletes in their tournaments including provincials, nationals and worlds. We were succesfull! Provincials were held in April of 2024 and for the first time we had athletes with disabiities present. Six members of Special Olympics Burlington qualified to compete at the National level. Those six athletes competed at the National Tournament and are now members of Team Canada and will compete at Worlds in Portugal. This is a major step forward for our athletes and the martial arts community.

Our athletes live on ODSP and to pay to compete in Portugal is just not within their means. We want to show the Martial Arts Commuity across the world that we can do.

The funds will be used to pay for their travel, accommodations and Team Canada gear. We estimate that it will cost $5000 per athlete to attend. Any amount will help us get to our goal!