Special Olympians and support staff struck in Barrie crash
Two adults with intellectual disabilities and their support staff worker from Empower Simcoe remain in Toronto hospitals after being struck by a vehicle while crossing the street near Sadlon Arena Thursday.
The three were walking to the Barrie Colts game when they were hit at the intersection of Mapleview Drive East and Bayview Drive.
"The first thing that she asked about were the two people when she was able to speak even after being hurt," said Claudine Cousins of Empower Simcoe CEO.
A 32-year-old Barrie woman was charged with three counts of impaired operation causing bodily harm after being arrested at the scene.
Cousins said the support worker and the individuals have worked together for so long that they have grown a special relationship.
"Dismay, frustration and sometimes a little bit of anger," she added about how her organization is feeling. "They're a tight group. They've been together a long time. And the people they support are like family themselves so the bond that is there is unbreakable. So, it's been really stressful for all involved."
Both of the supported individuals are also former or current Special Olympians.
"As a community, it's hard to fathom why someone would think they could get behind a wheel after having alcohol or drugs," said Barrie Special Olympics Community Coordinator Dawn Windross.
Windross said she is concerned about how this incident may affect the other athletes.
"It's tragic for them and traumatic. They have to process this and understand. One of the men was fearful of coming out in the first place and had to be encouraged to come," Windross said.
Cousins points out that going to large events isn't always easy for the individuals in their care.
"They take pride in what they can contribute to their community and they are also showing others what's possible even with a disability," she said.
This is the second time in just a few weeks that one of their members has been struck by a vehicle while travelling to or from Sadlon Arena.
"The Colts have reached out to us as well, and they are interested in making sure that we can work together to plan on ensuring this doesn't happen again," said Cousins.
The Empower Simcoe Foundation has set up a GoFundMe, which will go directly to the victims to help their families with travel expenses going to and from Toronto for hospital visits. The donations will also help out with accommodating mobility issues and home care for all three victims.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6976926.1721883767!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
LIVE UPDATES Multiple homes, businesses 'lost' to wildfire in Jasper National Park: Parks Canada
Officials from Parks Canada and Jasper say "multiple structures, including a number of businesses and homes, in and around the town of Jasper, have been lost" to wildfire in Jasper National Park.
Alberta premier says a third, perhaps half, of all Jasper buildings destroyed by fire
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says early reports indicate a third and perhaps up to half of all buildings in the historic Rocky Mountain resort town of Jasper have burned in a wildfire.
Prince William's 2023 salary revealed in new report
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
Tourist suffers 3rd-degree burns to feet after losing flip flops amid soaring temperatures in Death Valley
A tourist was hospitalized after suffering serious burns on his feet on Saturday when he lost his flip flops at a U.S. national park where temperatures soared past 48 Celsius.
'There's mom and dad's house': New video appears to show destruction of Jasper neighbourhood
Video posted to social media on Thursday morning appears to show the charred remains of a Jasper, Alta., neighbourhood.
Former judge with disputed Cree heritage likely has Indigenous DNA: law society
The Law Society of British Columbia says a DNA test shows a former judge and Order of Canada recipient accused of falsely claiming to be Cree "most likely" has Indigenous heritage.
Australian field hockey player opts to amputate part of his finger in order to compete in Paris Olympics
In the run up to the Paris Olympics, athletes have been stepping up their preparations in order to maintain their edge over competitors. But for Australia’s Matt Dawson, those preparations looked a little different this year, with the field hockey player opting to have part of his finger amputated in order to compete in the Games.
Canada to bring home fewest Olympic medals since 2012, according to forecaster
Fewer Canadians are expected to reach the Paris podium than in the previous two Olympic Summer Games, a global data analytics company predicts.
Jennifer Aniston criticizes JD Vance for 'childless cat ladies' remarks: 'I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children'
Jennifer Aniston is criticizing JD Vance for comments he made in his past about women without children.