Kolt Brown said he's feeling a bit like a celebrity these days.
The 11 year old Special Olympics athlete from Airdrie is one of the faces of a national campaign to raise funds and awareness for the organization.
Brown was selected as one of nine Special Olympics athlete ambassadors featured in grocery stores across the country with Empire Family of Brands.
He has played basketball for four years and wanted to show through the campaign that everybody can play the sport.
"Basketball has given me confidence," Brown said.
He has lived in Airdrie all of his life and said the best part about living in the city is their neighbours, noting that there is a strong, supportive community especially around his own neighbourhood of Stonegate.
But while most Canadians disagree with outdated ideas about intellectual disabilities, many remain uncertain.
According to a survey through the Special Olympics Canada, 20 per cent believe including people with intellectual disabilities at school and work could have negative effects—and another 18 per cent weren’t sure.
They shared that uncertainty points to a bigger issue; Canadians want to be inclusive but don’t always have the information or personal connection to feel confident in their beliefs.
It's that uncertainty and a lack of options to interact with someone who may be different from themselves that led Brown to volunteer for the campaign.
"I want to raise money for athletes but for people to see that I'm a real person," Brown said.
From June 12 to 22, Empire Family of Brands stores across Canada - which includes Sobeys, Safeway, Foodland, participating CO-OPs, IGA West, Thrifty Foods, Lawtons Drugs and Needs Convenience stores are inviting customers to donate two dollars at checkout in support of Special Olympics Canada.
They will match donations up to $500,000 and 100 per cent of funds will go toward sport, health, and inclusion programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Because every two dollars supports one day of activities for a Special Olympics athlete, giving opportunities within an inclusive community that helps that athlete feel seen, supported, and capable.
In Brown's case, funds go towards helping offset costs for facility rentals at Genesis Place.
His picture has been put all over these stores to raise awareness. Brown said he was given at tour of Sobeys, getting a chance to speak with the manager, meet some of the cashiers, and talk to customers.
His mom, April Brown, who also coaches the team, said this gave people the chance to ask Kolt questions and see where their donation is being put towards.
"We heard from the manager that someone came in the day before and say 'Hey, I know Colt, I'd like to donate'," she said. "So, there's been a lot of support."
Brown said Special Olympics basketball has 10 to 14 players on a team depending on the year.
"There's lots of volunteer support that offers equal opportunity to play," she said.
Though Brown has faced barriers, the inclusive team he plays on has served as an important community that will help him develop skills in his every day life.
When they're not on the court, Brown said he likes playing video games and being outside.
As a provincial chapter, Special Olympics provides year-round sports programs for individuals across Alberta, including Airdrie.
More information can be found at www.specialolympics.ab.ca/communities/airdrie-district .
