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Photo: Carmen Weld Photo: Carmen Weld Photo: Carmen Weld Photo: Carmen Weld Photo: Carmen Weld Photo: Carmen Weld Photo: Carmen Weld Photo: Carmen Weld Photo: Carmen Weld Photo: Carmen Weld

It was wet, it was muddy and it was cold, but more than 250 locals still hit the ground in City Park Saturday to play sports, have fun and raise money for special-olympic athletes.

“Everyone is wet, but they are smiling. We have great music, great food, great people,” says Motionball co-event director, Donnie Ungaro.

The group of participating young professionals brought in more than $67,000 in the local-annual fundraiser.

“We do it for the athletes, they are very heartfelt, genuine and amazing people that have had some bad breaks. We want to get our generation, the 25 to 45 year olds, out to be special-olympic coaches, to get involved, to interact with the athletes outside of this day.”

Ungaro says a total 250 players and 25 special olympians participated in stations including basketball, beach volleyball, touch football and human foosball. One station even included a team photo and massage.

To participate, players have to raise $160 each or $1,600 per team minimum, which all goes directly to Special Olympics BC and the Special Olympics Canada Foundation.

The Kelowna event raised more than $67,000 on Saturday, adding to the past-years total of $170,000.

“So, we will cross the quarter-million mark in Kelowna,” says Ungaro. “Nationally we raised more than $1 million net last year and more than $6.5 million for the Special Olympics Canada Foundation overall.”

Out of the 800,000 individuals in Canada who have an intellectual disability, only 40,000 are enrolled in Special Olympics programs.

One hundred per cent of the funds raised through Saturday's Motionball Marathon of Sport will go towards expanding Special Olympics programming.

For those who were unable to attend this year Ungaro hopes you will consider taking part in the future.

“We want you to come out and play, it is very fun and non-competitive,” says Ungaro.

“You don't have to be athlete to come out here and play. We want you to get engaged, meet the Olympians and come to the after party at the Habitat.”

The Motionball Marathon of Sport After Party is Saturday night at the Habitat in downtown Kelowna.

Doors open at 9 p.m. and cover charge is by donation – click here for more details.

Learn more about the Motionball Marathon of Sport at www.motionball.com.