Kate Puttinien – Contributor

On Oct. 26, 2025, the Motionball executive team brought together Bishop’s students and local Special Olympic athletes at Optimist Park in Lennoxville for their first-ever Fall Field Day. An afternoon focused on community connection and inclusion.

Image courtesy of Kate Puttinien

In an interview, event organizer Tessa Bradshaw explained that, “[The team] wanted to have an event in the fall, and the idea of a Fall Field Day seemed like the perfect thing to try.” Bradshaw added that the team hoped to create a space where Bishop’s athletes could lead stations, interact with Special Olympic athletes and build relationships that would continue into future Motionball events.

This year’s Field Day welcomed 30 local Special Olympic athletes and 80 Bishop’s volunteers. These volunteers worked in small groups to run stations throughout the afternoon. While Motionball at Bishop’s usually hosts fundraising events in support of Special Olympics Canada, Bradshaw stated that this event focused entirely on outreach and relationship-building rather than raising money.

Throughout the afternoon, participants rotated through six activity stations in 20-minute blocks. The activities included soccer, rugby, ultimate frisbee, dance, an obstacle-course relay and a snack station featuring baked goods prepared by the Motionball committee. Each station was led by Bishop’s volunteers, many of whom were varsity athletes.

Motionball’s chapter at Bishop’s stands out because it blends community engagement with awareness of the lived experiences of Canadians with disabilities. Bradshaw noted that Motionball “centres our events around local Special Olympic athletes,” which helps students recognize the importance of inclusion and leadership on campus. She added that Field Day also introduced participants to the ‘No Good Way’ campaign, a national initiative working to eliminate the use of the ‘R-word.’

When asked about the highlight of the day, Bradshaw said the athlete tunnel stood out the most. The tunnel, formed by two lines of cheering volunteers, welcomed athletes at both the beginning and end of the event. “These athletes are our celebrities,” she said, explaining that the tradition reflects the positivity and celebration Motionball aims to promote.

Clear weather and enthusiastic participation helped the afternoon run smoothly. All baked goods were finished by the end of the event, which closed with a spontaneous dance circle and a conga line.

Bradshaw emphasized the importance of events like Field Day, noting that “One in 10 Canadians live with an intellectual disability,” and that students’ words and actions have a meaningful impact. She said the event offered Bishop’s students a valuable opportunity to practice choosing inclusion in a hands-on, welcoming environment.

Motionball’s flagship event, the Marathon of Sport, will return on Mar. 22, 2026. Bradshaw stated that the chapter aims to raise $25,000 for Special Olympics Canada and involve as many local athletes as possible. She highlighted Motionball’s hope to “continue building long-term community connections through future events.”

When asked to summarize the atmosphere of the day, Bradshaw used one word: “Empowering.”