The Special Olympics Ontario – Thunder Bay chapter is gearing up for their first-ever 1000 Ball Challenge! On September 13th, Thunder Bay will gear up to raise important funds at Northern Light Golf Complex. This fundraising initiative will help local athletes with disabilities access essential golf resources — including tee times, coaching, equipment, and travel — ensuring they have every opportunity to pursue their passion for the game.
“Special Olympics Ontario – Thunder Bay is making history as the first Northern Ontario team to take on the 1000 Ball Challenge,” said Raphael Root, Fund Development Manager at Golf Ontario. “This groundbreaking effort could open the door for even more opportunities across the region. Adaptive golf is key to our Golf For All vision, and through partnerships like this, we’re turning that vision into reality.”
The event also reflects a growing collaboration between Special Olympics Ontario and Golf Ontario, both committed to breaking down barriers and making golf more inclusive and accessible.
“Our program currently supports 37 registered athletes,” said Nancy Rissanen of Special Olympics Thunder Bay. “Being in Thunder Bay, travel for tournaments is a major expense. Fundraisers like this are key to making competition possible for everyone.”
“It’s vital that we work with organizations like Golf Ontario,” Rissanen added. “Everyone deserves the chance to be active and involved in sport. We’re proud to host this event and strengthen our golf program for athletes across the region.”
How to Get Involved
There are two great ways to support Special Olympics athletes in Thunder Bay:
- Donate to help the team reach their fundraising goal:
www.1000ball.ca/o/special-olympics-ontario-thunder-bay - Create a team under the Thunder Bay Special Olympics page and collect pledges with friends, family, or coworkers!
Everyone who fundraises and joins the team is invited to take part in the event on September 13th at Northern Light Golf Complex, where each team will aim to hit 1,000 golf balls in support of local athletes.
This is more than just a challenge — it’s a chance to empower athletes and help grow the game of golf in Ontario.
Questions? Contact Raphael Root, Fund Development Manager at Golf Ontario, at rroot@golfontario.ca.
