Brantford, OPP, and Six Nations Police Services to Host 2025 Special Olympics Ontario Provincial Summer Games
BRANTFORD, ON – July 8, 2025 – Presented by the Wayne Gretzky Foundation and TD Bank, the 2025 Special Olympics Ontario Provincial Summer Games are set to take place from July 10-13, 2025, across Brantford, Brant County, and Six Nations of the Grand River.
Proudly hosted by the Brantford Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, and Six Nations Police Service, and presented by Wayne Gretzky Foundation and TD Bank, this multi-day event will welcome over 1,000 athletes from across Ontario to compete.
The Games will feature competition in athletics, bocce, golf, and soccer, uniting communities and highlighting the talent, dedication, and spirit of athletes with intellectual disabilities. This event represents the highest level of Special Olympics competition in Ontario, with athletes competing for the chance to advance as part of Team Ontario to the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games, taking place in Medicine Hat, Alberta from August 11 to 15, 2026.
This year’s Games will also mark several historic milestones, with media opportunities available to spotlight the following stories:
1. Special Olympics Ontario First Ever Women Soccer Division
For the first time in Special Olympics Ontario history, a dedicated women’s soccer division will be featured at the Provincial Summer Games. This exciting milestone marks a significant step forward for the sport and for women in Special Olympics. Even more impactful, this new division will now have a pathway to advance beyond the provincial level, with Ontario set to send a women’s soccer team to the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games for the very first time as part of Team Ontario.
2. Special Olympics Ontario Golf Reaches New Levels
The introduction of Level 5 competition marks a major advancement in golf for Special Olympics Ontario. Athletes will compete in 18-hole rounds for the first time at a provincial level, with the top performers earning the opportunity to qualify for Team Ontario and represent the province in Medicine Hat.
3. Hometown Story: Benjamin Kruis and James “Jim” Kruis Represent Special Olympics Brantford at Athletics
In the Athletics venue, James “Jim” Kruiz, the Community Coordinator for Special Olympics Brantford, and a Games Organizing Committee Lead at these Games, will be cheering on his son, Ben Kruis who is competing on the track. Their shared involvement highlights the deep bonds and meaningful family connections that make the Special Olympics community so special.
4. A Meaningful Start to Bocce at Six Nations
The Bocce competition will open on Friday, July 11 at the Six Nations Recreation Complex. The morning’s Opening Ceremonies will include a welcoming celebration, with members of the Six Nations community coming together to support the athletes. The celebration reflects the community’s pride in hosting and highlights the deep connection between sport, inclusion, and Indigenous culture.
About the 2025 Special Olympics Ontario Provincial Summer Games:
The 2025 Provincial Summer Games will feature over 1000 athletes from across Ontario competing in five sports—athletics, bocce, golf, soccer, and softball—across Brantford, Brant County, and Six Nations of the Grand River. Hosted by Brantford Police, OPP, and Six Nations Police Services, the Games will run from July 10 to 13, 2025, with Opening and Closing Ceremonies at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre.
Ceremonies – Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre – Rink 1 - 254 N Park St, Brantford, ON N3R 4L1
• Opening Ceremony: Thursday, July 10 — doors open at 7:00 PM; ceremony begins at 7:30 PM
• Closing Ceremony: Saturday, July 12 — doors open at 7:00 PM; ceremony begins at 7:30 PM
For a full schedule of competitions and more information please visit: www.ProvincialGames.ca
For media inquiries, to arrange interviews, or to cover these stories and more, please contact:
Javed Thadani
Director, Marketing & Communications – Special Olympics Ontario
javedt@specialolympicsontario.com
437-422-7231
Follow the excitement on social media: #SOSummerGames2025 #Brantford2025