Special Olympics Canada launched the “Joy Is Gold” campaign on Friday.
Developed in a partnership with Grey Canada, the campaign highlights the life-changing kind of impact that the Special Olympics have not only on athletes, but their friends, families, volunteers, coaching staffs and communities, as well.
Among the athletes featured in the campaign is Azaan of Scarborough, Ont. Joining Special Olympics Ontario in 2019 while still in high school, Azaan had been diagnosed with sleep apnea and struggled with his weight and high blood sugar. Thanks to his participation in basketball and other activities, Azaan helped manage his weight and blood sugar and no longer needs to sleep with a CPAP machine.
Azaan’s mother, Sylvia, says she’s thrilled to have her son as part of the campaign.
“I can’t imagine [the ‘Joy Is Gold’ campaign stars] not being real athletes,” Sylvia said, “and it’s important for the athletes to have that opportunity, it’s really empowering.”
