SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — The Late Frank Hayden, C.C., O.C., O.Ont.

Honourable senators, I rise to recognize the extraordinary contributions of Dr. Frank Hayden of Oakville, Ontario. Dr. Hayden was one of the most influential figures in the history of sport and inclusion, whose groundbreaking research fundamentally reshaped how society understands athletes with intellectual disabilities. Dr. Frank passed away at the age of 96 last week.

As a Canadian academic and physical educator, he challenged the deeply entrenched belief that individuals with intellectual disabilities were less than us and couldn’t benefit from structured physical activity or competitive sport. Through rigorous research and determined advocacy, Dr. Frank demonstrated conclusively that sport and training provide the same profound physical, psychological and social benefits enjoyed by generic athletes. At a time when exclusion was widely accepted, his work was truly transformative.

Dr. Frank’s work also rejected the idea that participation in sport for individuals with intellectual disabilities should be viewed as merely symbolic or recreational. He showed that these individuals are athletes in every sense of the word: driven, disciplined, competitive and capable of excellence. Given the opportunity to train, compete and be supported, they can grow, perform and excel at the highest levels.

It was this evidence that caught the attention of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who, in 1968, used his research to launch the Special Olympics. Without Dr. Hayden’s vision and research, the global movement we know today would not exist in the same transformative way.

Since 1991, I have had the privilege of seeing firsthand the skill, determination and spirit of the Special Olympics and its athletes. I got to know many Special Olympics athletes, like Arthur Rea, a curler, golfer and floor hockey player, who was an advocate and ambassador for his sport in the same way I have been for generic sport.

Twenty-five years later, Arthur and I would still meet at events. We spoke like old veterans about sport and next-gen athletes, but also about our aging parents, life and how incredibly fortunate we were to still be part of a sport community that gave us so much support. That shared experience — that Arthur and his Special Olympic peers are seen as capable contributors of — is the very essence of the Special Olympics movement. It’s lifelong. It’s authentic. It’s sport. It’s life.

Dr. Hayden’s contributions have been widely recognized. He was appointed Officer of the Order of Canada, was a member of Canada’s Sports Hall and received numerous awards for his leadership and advocacy.

As we commemorate his contributions, we know that his legacy endures not just in the Special Olympics but in the simple, powerful truth he proved: The benefits of sport and training belong to everyone.

I’ll conclude with the Special Olympics athletes’ oath: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” Rest in peace, Dr. Frank. Thank you for your life’s work.