Motionball Caledon team preparing for biggest day of sports fun yet

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Motionball Caledon team is encouraging residents to mark their calendars for this year's “Marathon of Sport” event.

On September 28 at Edelweiss Park in Bolton, the third-annual Motionball Caledon Marathon of Sport event will be held. The annual event welcomes all to enjoy a day of fun sports and games alongside Special Olympics athletes.

Organizers hope to raise $20,000 from the event for Caledon Special Olympics and Special Olympics Canada.

Motionball is a national non-profit that raises money for Special Olympics through integrated sport and social events. 

Lucrezia Chiappetta, one of three executive directors on the Motionball Caledon team putting together this year's event, said: “We've spent the last couple of years building awareness on what Motionball is and how it benefits our community. This year, we would like to see more residents and businesses participating.”

She said many people who attended last year's event didn't know what to expect — but left the event smiling, having had an incredible time and looking forward to this year's event.

Chiappetta said whether you play sports every day or never have, there's a place for you at the event.

“It's about coming out and being together, being inclusive,” she said.

Teams of all kinds have participated in the event, such as teams from local businesses, the Caledon OPP, and Caledon Fire. Friends and families often team up to participate in the event too. However, having a team isn't necessary.

“If you want to do it as an individual, we'll get you on a team… it's a great way to meet new people,” said Chiappetta.

People looking to play in this year's Marathon of Sport in Caledon, either as a team or as an individual, can email motionball.caledon@gmail.com. There's also ample volunteer and sponsorship opportunities available for the event.

“There's so many different ways to support the event… we would love to see as many people as possible involved,” said Chiappetta.

She said the event is a great way for high school students to get some volunteer hours done in a fun way, and that many have done so in previous years.

Last year's event was fun, said Chiappetta, and the Motionball Caledon team will be working hard in preparation for this year's event.

“Everybody had a great time… it's a big event and we want to make it the best we can possibly make it,” said Chiappetta.