Overview:  

Team Ontario will represent Special Olympics Ontario at the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games. The Team Ontario Program is designed to provide athletes, coaches and mission staff with a welcoming team environment built on respect and a commitment to growth. Team Ontario requires a dedication to training, healthy living, and accountability to its team members. Through their effort and actions, the Team will be ambassadors for Ontario and a source of pride for grassroots programs and communities. 

Scope: 

The Chef de Mission is the volunteer leader of the Special Olympics Team Ontario (SOTO). They, along with the Program Department of Special Olympics Ontario, will be responsible for developing SOTO's vision and critical path. The Chef de Mission is a proactive, motivational leader who supports and promotes SOTO by creating a team environment that is conducive to a productive and positive team experience for all SOTO members. 

Term:  

The term of the Chef de Mission is from the date of selection by Special Olympics Ontario, through the final de-brief and completion of the post-Games report. (approx. September 2024 through September 2026) 

Accountabilities: 

The Chef de Mission is accountable to the Special Olympics Ontario, Director of Sport. The Chef de Mission works closely with the Assistant Chef de Mission and Special Olympics Ontario (SOO) Provincial Office staff in the implementation of their duties. 

Responsibilities: 

Pre-Games 

• Act as the spokesperson for SOTO. 
• Represent SOTO members at all SOTO events and activities. 
• Work closely with SOO staff to develop the vision and critical path for the Team Ontario Program. 
• Sit on the selection team for Mission Staff, Head Coaches, and Assistant Coaches for the team. 
• Work with SOO, Assistant Chef de Mission, Team Managers, Communication Team, Mission Staff, Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Athletes and Training Coaches to create and maintain a cohesive team. 
• Assist SOO with uniform selection, transportation, accommodation needs, etc.  
• In conjunction with SOO and the Assistant Chef de Mission, develop the lines, methods and frequency of communication between SOTO members. 
• Be familiar with the Athlete Agreement and the roles and responsibilities of SOO, Assistant Chef de Mission, Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Training Coaches, Team Doctors, Communications Liaisons and Mission Staff. 
• Attend Chef meetings in Medicine Hat. 
• In cooperation with the Assistant Chef de Mission, Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches and Mission Staff, help plan the SOTO training camps (between November 2025 and July 2026).
• Ensure that the Mission Staff are effectively performing their roles and responsibilities. 

 During Games 

• At Games, arrange and conduct on site Team Leadership meetings, in conjunction with the Assistant Chef de Mission and/or Team Managers. 
• Participate as a member of the Emergency Management Team dealing with any major issues or crisis situations. 
• Travel to and from the National Games with SOTO, including staying in the Athlete’s Village.  
• Submit a final report of the Games to Special Olympics Ontario 
• Complete the Special Olympics Canada post-Games evaluation  
• Provide mentorship to Assistant Chef de Mission and Mission Staff and assist in the identification of future leaders within the program. 

 Qualifications: 

• Must be a member in good standing of Special Olympics in Ontario. 
• Experience at major multi-sport games (Provincial and National Games is an asset). 
• Demonstrated leadership and ability to build and lead teams. 
• Ability to motivate and foster team building. 
• Have access to a computer and be comfortable working in virtual settings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Experience in crisis management. 
• A strong understanding and fundamental belief in the mission and values of Special Olympics in Canada.  
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills as well as experience working with athletes with an intellectual disability. 
• Resident of Ontario. 
• Knowledge of Special Olympics Ontario policies 

 Training Requirements 

• SOC Competition Coach (NCCP) - TRAINED
• Make Ethical Decisions (NCCP) – EVALUATED  
• Making Headway (Concussion training) 
• Safe Sport Training (CAC) 
• Current Criminal Record Check (obtained within past 2 years) 

 This role is expected to be available for the following time commitments (may be subject to change): 

• TBD Fall 2024 (in-person) - SOO Planning Session with SOO staff 
• TBD November 2025 (in-person) – SOTO Training Camps 
• August 10 - 16, 2026 (in-person) – National Games 
• Monthly evening virtual Mission Staff meetings 
• Monthly sport specific virtual meetings (schedule dependent by sport and chosen by Mission Staff and Head Coaches) 

  

APPLICATION DEADLINE: September 9, 2024 

Application process: Interested applicants will be required to submit an electronic application prior to the deadline. Please be prepared to submit the following information when applying: 

• NCCP number 
• Previous experience (Special Olympics and non) surrounding the role 
• Answers for a few short questions around why you are interested in the role 
• Confirmation that you are available to attend all in-person dates mentioned above 

Following the deadline, all applications will be reviewed by SOO staff. Applications will be reviewed and evaluated based on the following process: 

1. Endorsement from local SO Community 
2. Based on endorsements and review of initial applications, the SOO will invite a select group of applicants to participate in a virtual interview. There will be a set of pre-interview questions sent to the candidate to complete. 
3. Following the interview, SOO will evaluate both the virtual interview and submitted questions to name the successful candidates. Evaluation will be based primarily on the following areas (listed in order of importance): 

• Ability to communicate in multiple languages (including English, French, ASL, host country language) 
• Special Olympics experience in similar role(s) 
• Communication and technology proficiency 
• Leadership, teamwork and conflict resolution skills 
• Enthusiasm and passion for Special Olympics 
• Proven understanding of role and vision of involvement to team