New study finds Special Olympic athletes suffer less often from depression
The Special Olympics program in Timmins offers eight sports programs throughout the year, such as curling.
“I’ve been curling since November so I throw the rock slowly to the centre of the ring to get our score," said Matt Exel, a Special Olympics athlete.
Health officials said a 20-year study in Ontario found young adults who participate in Special Olympic programs are 49 per cent less likely to be diagnosed with depression than their peers.
“Special Olympics has improved my life to such an extent that before then I was mostly in my house in my little office area on the computer and stuff but now I’m more active, I socialize with the community more," said Chris Exel, a Special Olympic athlete.
The research compared more than 51,000 young adults and is a first within the Special Olympics movement. Those studying the results said it demonstrates the positive impact of community-based sport programs on its athletes.
Some parents we spoke with agree with the findings and said it has also helped them.
“Right now at this point in my life, now that my young men are involved with Special Olympics, I feel like the soccer mum that I always wanted to be because when my children were small, the behaviour of course with autism, it was over the top," said Karen Exel, parent of Chris and Matt.
“So it’s very hard to get involved with community activities when you’re constantly chasing behaviours.”
Rob Galloway's son, Jason, 46, enjoys golfing and curling.
"To have him cheerful and wanting to go somewhere ... ready to go out the door and get in the truck to come to the curling rink, that’s really helpful when you see your child and how much they’re enjoying it,” Galloway said.
Researches said reasons why depression rates were lower are not well understood at this time. They do suggest, though, that programs like Special Olympics improve mood, mastery of skill and promote the development of friendships.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Trial begins for Winnipeg serial killer who claims he was mentally ill
The trial of a man who admits he killed four women in Winnipeg is set to begin Wednesday, and a law professor says lawyers for Jeremy Skibicki have multiple hurdles to clear for a defence of mental illness.
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
New Canadian study could be a lifesaver for thousands suffering from CTE
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death.
Rape, terror and death at sea: How a boat carrying Rohingya children, women and men capsized
In March, Indonesian officials and local fishermen rescued 75 people from the overturned hull of a boat off the coast of Indonesia. Until now, little was known about why the boat capsized.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.