The Nepean Sportsplex pool was buzzing with energy as students from across the Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) came together for this year’s Special Olympics Swim Meet. Over two days, more than 400 students from 47 schools dove into an experience built on inclusion, belonging, and joy.
Two days, One Community
Intermediate and high school students from across the city dove into the water to kick off Day One of the meet. On the following day, the pool deck was alive with the energy of more than 200 elementary students from west-end schools, carrying handmade signs and sharing nervous laughs and big smiles. You can watch the highlights from the elementary, where every single event concluded with heartfelt cheers from classmates, staff, and families.
Creating Space For Everyone
For parent Roos Spanjers, the day shows what true inclusion looks like. She shared:
“Sometimes inclusivity is not about everyone participating at the same level, but about creating a space where everyone, with every ability, can participate. This meet was not just about supporting athletes with different abilities. It was about building a community where every child was welcomed, encouraged, and celebrated.”
Students Leading by Example
Special Education Consultant Mark Henninger and Anne Frazer co-organized the event, coordinating schools, volunteers, and race schedules so every swimmer could feel safe and supported. One of Mark’s favourite parts of the meet was watching high school student volunteers in the pool alongside the elementary athletes, offering quiet encouragement, matching their pace, and celebrating every length. Those moments between older and younger students were where you can see inclusion in action.
A Unique OCSB Commitment
The Ottawa Catholic School Board is the only school board in Ottawa offering a Special Olympics swim meet like this for its students. That commitment could be seen on every face at the Sportsplex: students proud of what they’ve accomplished, staff and volunteers cheering them on, and families capturing memories from the stands. Seeing the smiles and joy of students, staff, volunteers, and parents made these days so special.
Thank You to Our Partners
This event is made possible through the support of the Special Olympics, the City of Ottawa, the team at the Nepean Sportsplex, and our incredible school communities, including the high school volunteers from St. Paul and St. Patrick. Together, they helped us create a space where every swimmer could experience personal success.
