By Riley Murphy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

motionball Marathon of Sport Caledon 2025 took place last weekend at the Caledon East Community Complex.

Teams gathered shortly before 9 a.m. to adorn their matching shirts and get ready for a day of teamwork and fun.

motionball for Special Olympics is a national non-profit organization with a mission to raise funds and awareness for the Special Olympics Canada Foundation, doing so in an inclusive manner.

A local Special Olympics athlete joins each registered team as they compete in a day of sports.

The Caledon chapter is heading into its fourth year, and originally came to Caledon thanks to Jason Scorcia.

Scorcia is an Event Director for motionball Caledon, as well as a Special Olympic athlete, and he had his team ready to go on Saturday morning.

“It's good to meet new, different people and it's always fun to plan stuff,” shared Scorcia.

He said he first attended the motionball Marathon of Sport in Toronto and suggested its addition in Caledon.

“And that's what happened,” says Scorcia.

Many of the volunteers and Special Olympic athletes present at the event were returning.

Volunteer and Referee Eddie Domingues, and her daughter, Special Olympics Athlete Kristen Domingues, have been attending the motionball Marathon of Sport for three years. Eddie has been involved with Special Olympics for about 22 years, both in Brampton and now in Caledon.

They originally attended Toronto's Marathon of Sport prior to its inception in Caledon.

“It's a good opportunity to present our Special Olympics athletes to people who have never had the exposure to Special Olympics athletes,” said Eddie Domingues. “It gives an opportunity to showcase not only the companies that come out, but also to showcase the athletes and bring light to what Special Olympics and what Special Olympics athletes can do.”

“When I first did it, I said to my mom, I would like to keep coming to motionball,” said Kristen Domingues.

Kristen said that not only is it “a good experience,” but she also gets to participate in a variety of sports and meet different people.

Kai Chang, a Special Olympics Athlete, attended the day with his mother, Rochelle Chang and one of his teachers, Carm Autieri.

Kai Chang participates in track and bowling with Special Olympics.

“It's the most beautiful event and the most beautiful day you can possibly imagine. I would never imagine not coming now every year,” says Rochelle Chang. “Every day is a challenge for parents with kids with special needs. So, when we can come to a safe place where we all have something in common and understand each other, I look forward to this day every year.”

“They bring out the best in everybody,” says Autieri.

Rochelle said this is the one place that Kai and other kids can come and be in a room full of friends.

“They just deserve this, to have people in our community that see that they deserve it and give up their entire Saturday and prior,” said Rochelle.

She shared it's amazing to see those raising money for Special Olympics, “so that my kid can perform.”

Many familiar community faces took part in the day as well.

Team Caledon OPP took part this year with a fundraising goal of $1,500.

“Officers from the Caledon OPP were thrilled to participate in the motionball Marathon of Sport in Caledon for the fourth year in a row. Our team was grateful to be a part of another fun-filled day of sport and awareness,” shared Caledon OPP Jesse Nobleman, Community Engagement & Media Relations.

Nobleman said the event was “a smashing success.”

“We were delighted to contribute a $1,500 donation to the nearly $30,000 Motionball Caledon raised for the Special Olympics in both Ontario and Canada, and for the #NoGoodWay campaign,” he said

Team Caledon Chamber of Commerce also had a fundraising goal of $1,500.

They shared the event is a “good cause for the community”, and, as they support community businesses and events, this was important to them.

“Especially from the Special Olympics athletes, they're awesome. Watching them all get excited to play, it's really cool.”

One team, although technically filling in, was as prepared as ever.

“The Replacements” was a team composed of Mayor Annette Groves, Councillors Doug Maskell for Ward 3, and Mario Russo for Wards 3 and 4, Town staff, and family members.

One of the teams for the event had pulled out, and they were more than happy to “cobble” together a team, explained Maskell.

“It's a great day for the community. It's a great day for everyone here, and it's a great opportunity to get people out to support a wonderful cause,” he says.

Another returnee this year was volunteer Matthew Michelberger, who has been a part of motionball for the past three years.

“motionball is a great cause. I love seeing all the athletes come here and how this is often the best day that they have. And for me, I love the inclusivity and how much of an outlet this provides for many of these Special Olympics athletes, and I love being a part of that, and seeing how much these athletes grow over the years, and how much more comfortable they become coming here, seeing the people, and the sport of motionball,” said Michelberger.

This year, they were able to welcome eight teams, a new record.

Teams were able to compete in four outdoor sports and four indoor sports.

The competition kicked off with Special Olympic Athletes running through a tunnel of high fives provided by the remainder of the teams, truly marking the beginning of the day's event.