Special Olympics Basketball Qualifier brings Peterborough area secondary schools together

Jan. 9, 2026

It was a day filled with friendship, laughter and school spirit as teams from seven area secondary schools gathered at St. Peter Catholic Secondary School for the Special Olympics basketball qualifier on Thursday (Jan. 8, 2026).

Participating teams included St. Peter CSS, Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School, Kenner Collegiate Vocational Institute, Crestwood Secondary School, Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School, Adam Scott Collegiate Vocational Institute and Norwood District High School.

“We’re here to have a fun day,” said Ernie Ellement, an Education Assistant at St. Peter CSS and a longtime advocate for Special Olympics Ontario. “I expect high energy, but what I expect most are the smiles everyone leaves with. We’re here to support one another. That’s what it’s all about.”

The event was supported by volunteers, staff, community partners and the school’s Sports Excellence Athletic Leadership (SEAL) class, whose members cheered for the athletes as they entered the gym and led them in stretches and dances during the opening ceremonies, helping to set a positive and inclusive tone for the day.

In the coming weeks, Special Olympics Ontario will notify schools that have successfully qualified for the provincial championships, which will be held in London, Ontario in the spring.

“The gift of the human spirit is our Special Olympians,” Ellement added.