TORONTO, ON, Nov. 21, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Special Olympics Canada brought together Canadian's celebrity athletes and personalities for a night of celebration at LIMITLESS: The Special Olympics Canada Gala. Alongside our Honored Partner for the evening, Home Hardware, LIMITLESS was an opportunity for Special Olympics athletes, Canadian celebrities and Special Olympics supporters to embrace the limitless potential of Special Olympics athletes. The evening consisted of incredible one-of-a-kind live and silent auction experiences, amazing live performances and remarks from special guests Dr. Timothy Shriver, Chairman, Special Olympics International and Jessica Adam, mother of 5-year-old Special Olympics athlete Levi Adam. The night concluded with an action-packed after-party, featuring live music by the talented 12-piece band the St. Royals.

LIMITLESS saw more than 750 Special Olympics supporters mingle with Special Olympics athletes and Canadian celebrities like Jamie Salé, Bob McKenzie, Elaine Lui, Curt Harnett, Darryl Sittler, Darren Dreger, David Pelletier, Mark Tewksbury, Rick Mercer and 2016 Olympic medal contenders Damian Warner, Melissa Bishop and Shawnacy Barber. Hosted by TSN's on-air personalities Jennifer Hedger and Rod Black, and held at the iconic Fairmont Royal York Hotel, the 2015 LIMITLESS Gala was an energetic affair, highlighting the joy Special Olympics programs bring to more than 40,000 Canadians with an intellectual disability across the country.

This year's live and silent auction prizes included one-of-a-kind experiences like: the Ultimate Bucket List Fly Fishing trip for eight on the St. Lewis River Lodge in Labrador; a trip for two to the Superbowl in San Francisco; a seven night Tuscan wine harvest experience for eight people at Villa Casanova; the Ultimate Polar Plunge and Polar Bear Experience in Churchill, Manitoba; a trip to the Men's Semifinals of the 2016 Wimbledon Championship and an extreme Toronto Blue Jays 2016 Spring Training experience for two, among countless others.

"What an amazing evening! The 2015 iteration of LIMITLESS: The Special Olympics Canada Gala was one to remember," noted Special Olympics Canada CEO, Sharon Bollenbach. "Alongside long-time Special Olympics champion, and this year's Honored Partner, Home Hardware, we embraced all that LIMITLESS represents - the joy, determination and endless potential of Special Olympics athletes and our movement. Thank you to all our partners, fans and supporters who helped make LIMITLESS such a success."

This annual must-attend event raises awareness and funds for Special Olympics programs across the country. For more information on LIMITLESS, please go to www.specialolympics.ca/gala.

About Special Olympics Canada

Established in 1969, the Canadian chapter of this international movement is dedicated to enriching the lives of Canadians with an intellectual disability through sport. Operating year-round in all Canadian provinces and territories except Nunavut, this grassroots movement reaches beyond the sphere of sport to empower individuals, change attitudes, and build communities. From two-year olds to mature adults, there are more than 40,000 children and adults with an intellectual disability registered in Special Olympics programs across Canada. They are supported by more than 19,000 volunteers, including close to 14,000 trained coaches.

For further information: Visit www.specialolympics.ca or follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@SpecialOCanada).

CONTACT: For more information:
         
         Bill Wilson
         Director, Marketing & Communications
         Special Olympics Canada
         T: 416.927.9050 ext. 4383
         E: Bwilson@Specialolympics.ca