The Global Day of Inclusion and the 50th Anniversary of Special Olympics were both celebrated yesterday (July 21) across Canada and that included some celebrating that was going on in Airdrie.  

Tim Horton's were selling a donut, specially created by a Special Olympics athlete to mark the day.  While the restaurant chain picked just one donut to be the winner, an Airdrie athlete was one of the finalists for her creation.

Christina Hansen came up with a delicious creation that she explained yesterday.  "It was a chocolate donut, filled with raspberry filling, with white vanilla icing and red and white sprinkles."  Why did Christina put that combination together?  That's easy, she says, "Because chocolate and raspberry always goes good together,"

Dale Foreman is the Chair of Special Olympics in Airdrie and says it was an important day for the organization in more ways than one.

"It helps in the awareness of the programs as well as provides a bit of fundraising for accommodating for our sports and for our facilities and for our clothing that the athletes need and participating in many tournaments that they play at in Airdrie and around the country actually."

Jackie Godlein is the Fundraising Coordinator for Airdrie Special Olympics who says she's seen the confidence of Special Olympians grow.

"I think it absolutely boosts it.  You go from these quiet individuals in September to the end of April when everyone's outgoing, everyone's made friends.  It's a fantastic event for everyone."

Airdrie Special Olympics has around 90 athletes who participate in nine different sports.  

The Alberta Government declared July 21st as the first formally recognized Global Day of Inclusion to celebrate the success and contribution of people with disabilities.  The day was meant to help create a world where all individuals are recognized and included.  

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