St. Thomas Sports Spectacular Head Table 2024
As the name suggests, it was a “spectacular” evening last Thursday at the St. Anne’s Centre in St. Thomas.
The Annual Sports Spectacular returned to the city and it was another star-studded affair in support of our local Special Olympics and Community Living Elgin.
Athletes from around the sporting world came together for the cause, including three-time NHL All Star Shayne Corson, former Bills running back Fred Jackson, Ice Dancing legend Scott Moir, WWE Superstar Koko B. Ware, and former NFL running back Jamaal Charles to name a few.
myFM had the chance to speak with some of the head table guests, who shared why they wanted to get involved in such a special event.
While chatting with Olympic Gold Medalist and Canadian Athlete of the Year Damian Warner, he noted how pleased he was to be asked back!
Much like Warner, many of the head table guests had their own personal connection to Special Olympics. Jamaal Charles, who is now a Global Ambassador for the cause, was first introduced to sports as a Special Olympics Athlete.
Both NHL alumni Danny DeKeyser and MLB reliever Jay Jackson noted a soft spot for the organization, thanks to a family member’s involvement.
Jackson says giving back will always be important to him.
Before all the excitement got underway Thursday evening, Jackson joined 15-year MLB Veteran Jason Grilli at the Power Alley in St. Thomas where they worked with some minor baseball players on skill development.
Grilli noted he may have been even more excited than the kids were.
For female athletes Emma Reinke and Erika Polidori, the night was also an opportunity to raise awareness and encourage participation in their respective sports.
Polidori is an Olympic Bronze Medalist with Team Canada Softball and hopes to return to the world stage in 2028.
As for Reinke, she’ll be representing St. Thomas at the 2024 Paris Paralympics with the Canadian Women’s Goalball Team after capturing gold at the Parapan Am Games in Santiago, Chile.
She hopes her appearance Thursday helped to raise awareness about the sport.
Thanks to the committee and generous sponsors, thousands of dollars was raised through the live and silent auctions alone.
The total raised in support of Special Olympics and Community Living Elgin will be shared once it has been finalized.
Written by: K. Freeman
