Ontario funds inclusive sport programs, Hamilton high school receives banner

The Government of Ontario has announced additional funding and awards for schools who uphold the goals of the Unified Champions Special Olympics program.

Among the seven winners? Hamilton’s Bishop Tonnos Catholic Secondary School in Ancaster.

The award is to recognize the initiative the schools are taking to enrich the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through sport.

The province has also announced more than $612,500 in funding for the initiative in 2025-26. The program received $550,000 for the 2023-24 period.

The Unified Champions program provides opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to participate in sports, “fostering inclusive, safe, and accepting environments.”

The program supports students with and without intellectual disabilities by providing inclusive sport, youth leadership and whole-school engagement initiatives all across Ontario.

More than 400 schools across the province currently participate in the Unified Champions program, engaging more than 10,000 students.

READ MORE: Hamilton’s Bishop Ryan loses to CCH Crusaders in OFSAA Western Bowl