Special Olympics Quebec will hold its 2025 summer games in Granby

Montreal, March 20, 2024 — It is with enthusiasm that Special Olympics Quebec has chosen to entrust the organization of the 2025 summer games to the city of Granby. This major sporting gathering, in which more than 1,000 athletes will participate, will take place from August 6 to 10, 2025.

“We are happy to award the Games to the City of Granby. We warmly congratulate them for the quality of their file. We are convinced that Granby will be the host of high-quality Special Olympics Québec Summer Games in 2025. The commitment shown to mobilize a large number of partners as well as the entire Granby community delights us, because it will allow our athletes to live a memorable experience while raising awareness among the population of the benefits of social inclusion. These games will mark a new stage in the progression of social inclusion of people who have an intellectual disability or who are autistic,” underlined Daniel Granger, president of the board of directors of Special Olympics Québec.”

The City of Granby submitted a comprehensive file highlighting the social inclusion nature of the event and the self-determination of the athletes. Granby also hopes that this unique gathering leaves a lasting legacy to support local sports development for people with autism or intellectual disabilities.

“The Special Olympics Québec Summer Games are an inspiring example of inclusion through sport and will help develop a true sporting culture within our communities while promoting healthy lifestyle habits,” said Mayor Julie Bourdon. from Granby. This far-reaching event will have significant social, economic and tourism benefits for our community.”

The presentation of the Special Olympics Québec summer games includes 10 sports and an exceptional health component. All athletes participating in the games benefit from Open Eyes, Healthy Mouths and Teeth, Healthy Feet, Athletes in Action and Health Promotion clinics. Everyone is required to undergo summary examinations, including taking blood pressure.

In total, the City of Granby will have to welcome nearly 2,000 people: 1,455 athletes and staff from delegations from 19 regions of Quebec, 100 major officials as well as a team of 350 volunteers from the host community and Special Olympic Québec staff.