Windsor-Essex Figure Skater Breanna Williams Wins Gold at Special Olympics Canada Winter Games and Qualifies for Team Canada – leaves for Italy in 2 weeks

February 10, 2025

Breanna Williams, a 16-year-old figure skater from Windsor-Essex, has made history as the only athlete from the region to qualify for the Canadian Special Olympics Team. Competing at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Calgary in February 2024, Breanna delivered an outstanding performance, winning a gold medal in her solo figure skating event. With this victory, she has secured her place on Team Canada for the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy.

This was Breanna’s first time competing at the National level, a milestone achievement that reflects years of dedication and training. She has been skating since the age of four and is a long-time client of the John McGivney Children’s Centre (JMCC), which provides specialized rehabilitation and support services to children and youth in Windsor-Essex.

The Special Olympics Canada Winter Games serve as a national qualifier, where top athletes from across the country earn their place at the global stage. For many Special Olympics athletes, the National Games represent the pinnacle of their competitive careers, and this year’s event in Calgary was also a selection event for the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games.

Special Olympics Team Canada will compete in five winter sports: short track speed skating, figure skating, cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, and snowshoeing. The 2025 Games will be held March 5-18 and hosted in two locations: Turin for snow sports and Grenoble for ice sports.

Reflecting on her journey, Breanna shared:

“Participating in sports with Special Olympic athletes and coaches teaches you to succeed in high-intensity situations. Self-discipline, teamwork, learning to work with others, mental toughness, handling fear and failure, and goal-setting are all skills I’ve learned through Special Olympics Canada. Dream big and anything is possible!”

Jennifer Jovanovski, CEO of the John McGivney Children’s Centre, expressed her pride in Breanna’s accomplishments:

“Breanna’s determination and passion for her sport are truly inspiring. Her success on the national stage highlights the importance of inclusive sports and the impact of organizations like Special Olympics Canada in empowering young athletes. We are incredibly proud of her achievement and look forward to seeing her represent Canada on the world stage.”

About Special Olympics Canada
Special Olympics provides sports training and competition opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, fostering physical fitness, self-confidence, and social inclusion. Unlike the Paralympics, which focus on athletes with physical disabilities, Special Olympics is specifically designed to support individuals with intellectual disabilities, many of whom may also have co-existing disabilities.

Through participation in Special Olympics, athletes develop improved motor skills, confidence, and social connections. They gain valuable life skills that enhance their ability to live independently, pursue education and employment, and actively contribute to their communities.