An evening of inspiration and impact at the inaugural Joy of Sport Gala presented by Wheaton Precious Metals

Formerly known as the Sports Celebrities Festival, the event enters its 28th year with a new name that captures the heart of the Special Olympics movement: the joy, confidence, friendships, and sense of belonging that sport creates for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

On Thursday, October 22, 2026, the Joy of Sport Gala will bring together B.C. sport and business leaders with Special Olympics BC athletes for a moving celebration of the power of sport.

The elegant gala will celebrate the abilities and achievements of athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities while raising vital funds to support Special Olympics BC's year-round sport, youth, and health programs.

"We know that sport can be pure joy. It's what brings us together, inspires us to keep going, and helps us discover what we're capable of," said Dan Howe, President and CEO of Special Olympics BC. "Our athletes embody that spirit every day. The Joy of Sport Gala is an opportunity to celebrate their achievements, share their stories, and help ensure more athletes across British Columbia can experience the confidence, friendships, fitness, and community that come through sport."

For more than 27 years, the event has led the way in promoting inclusion and respect for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Since 1998, it has raised more than $11.5 million to empower Special Olympics BC athletes throughout the province.

“Through Special Olympics, we didn’t just find sports programs – we found a community. One that has enriched not only our sons’ lives, but our entire family’s. Special Olympics provides a safe, inclusive environment where our children can be themselves. It’s a place where their abilities are celebrated, not their disabilities. A heartfelt thank you to the sponsors and sports leaders for your continued support of Special Olympics. You are helping change lives – just like ours,” parents and volunteers Coralyn and Ramon Siytangco said at the 2025 gala.

Special Olympics BC is so grateful for all of the champions of inclusion within the B.C. sport and business community. We’re fortunate that a number of leading athletes and sport champions generously give their time to participate in the gala, to shine a spotlight on the abilities of Special Olympics BC athletes and help advance a more inclusive world through sport.

The 2026 Joy of Sport Gala is scheduled to welcome leading athletes, including:

• BC Lions player Andrew Peirson

• Vancouver Canucks Alumni Chris Higgins, Jyrki Lumme, and Darcy Rota

• Vancouver Whitecaps FC Alumni Tosaint Ricketts and Carl Valentine

• Olympians including Evan Dunfee, Lisa Roman, Shallon Olsen, and Phil Berna

Learn more about these valued Champions of Inclusion

The Joy of Sport Gala supports more than 3,500 Special Olympics BC athletes in 55 communities across British Columbia. Funds raised through the event help athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages and ability levels participate in life-changing sport, youth, and health programs at low or no cost to participants and families.

Throughout the evening, guests will hear meaningful stories from the Special Olympics community, celebrating the moments that move us and the athletes who inspire us.

Because every athlete deserves the joy of sport.

To support this evening of inspiration and impact, please visit JoyOfSportGala.com.

Media seeking more information to cover the Joy of Sport Gala are invited to contact Cassie MacDonell at cmacdonell@specialolympics.bc.ca.