35 Years and Counting

The Wizard Foundation was formed by nine high school friends who felt compelled to give back to the community, and made Special Olympics Ontario (SOO) its first draft choice. As a result, we have won every year since!  The cumulative donation to this amazing charitable organization after 35 years is over $2.7 million. However, our greatest satisfaction is the knowledge of the impact that the support from hundreds of companies over the years has made for over 26,000 individuals with an intellectual disability.  Thank you for making it possible.

The Wizard Foundation Playoff Pool launched on April 5, 1988 with 15 teams. It was an event inspired by the work of Brian Etherington and David Garard, and made possible through the support of Paul Beeston and the Toronto Blue Jays. We never envisioned the journey this event would take, or the many friends who would step forward to support it and help us grow.

Special Thanks and Recognition to the Following for their Continued Support:

Bob Nicholson (pictured above)

Bob Nicholson has been the Chair and driving force behind the Wizard Foundation and his contribution to the Special Olympics movement has been immense. In 2014 he was presented with the Harry “Red” Foster Award by Special Olympics Canada, an award presented to individuals who best exemplify the spirit, philosophy, and goals of the Special Olympics movement, just like Mr. Foster did (Founder of Special Olympics Canada).

TSN

One of Special Olympics’ biggest friends, TSN has supported us for close to three decades. Our thanks to all the company’s Presidents throughout the network’s history: Gordon Craig, Jim Thompson, Rick Brace, Keith Pelley, Phil King and Stewart Johnston.

Paul Damp

Paul is our triple threat: One of the Wizard Foundation’s founders, an organizer of the original event, and the only participant to bring a team to all 34 events.

Joe Bowen

Joe has been THE Commissioner, ruling over the evening for 31 of our first 34 years, and he has never precipitated a lockout. We can’t imagine our event without Joe’s knowledge, humour and commitment.

Volunteer Organizing Committee:

Bob Nicholson
Paul Stevens
Peter Redolfi
Digger Turnbull
Dave Watkins
Paul Clark
Glenn Morgan
Armando Cappuccitti
Dane Meikle
Dan Quinn
Carly Nicholson
Derek Nicholson
Kristy Nicholson
Natalie Fisher
Greg Roberts
Joe Sutherland
Steve Foxcroft
Glenn MacDonell
Jason Hussak