Three brothers. One cause. The Etherington brothers are more than just three lads who bounce off one another, they are pioneers in their own right, delving into the workings of Canada’s Special Olympics by supporting and encouraging interaction between athletes and the public.
The vision of ‘Motionball’ surfaced in late 2001, when the boys met for a couple of drinks and some small chat. After years of volunteering for their parent’s initiatives, the three men thought it was time they helped support special Olympians by “introducing the next generation of donors to integrative special events.”
The first benefit concert raised $18 000, which also welcomed the Tragically Hip on stage to serenade audiences. After a couple of run-throughs, the Ethernington brothers felt that money wasn’t enough, they wanted to connect and interact with athletes and the public on a greater level.
Soon enough Motionball’s marathon of sport evolved and spread across six Canadian cities. The marathon of sport brings together teams of ten people to compete in six different sports such as flag football, ultimate frisbee, soccer, basketball, floor hockey and volleyball. Every team includes at least one Olympian with a disability to join in the madness, and compete while socializing with his or her teammates.
“It is through sport that we can see how great such activities can enrich special Olympians lives. It offers a level playing field for those with intellectual disabilities and sport eliminates the isolation,” explains Paul Etherington.
This years’ Motionball gala in support of Special Olympians (held at the Capital Event Theatre in Toronto) housed a bevy of entertaining guests and supporters. From an exciting Calvin Klein fashion show to a silent auction with trips to Costa Rica and New York City; over 1100 guests were treated to tasty selections and premium spa, travel and sport packages.
Familiar faces like Muchmusic’s Matte Babel and MTV’s Nicole Holness were among the attendees at the sold out gala, whom shared the evening with hundreds of members of the media and local community.
With 15% of the net proceeds from the silent auction going to the Special Olympics Haiti, the gala was not just surrounded around our athletes here at home, but those also devastated by the destruction in Haiti.
With expectations of reaching a million dollars annually in fundraising, the Etherington brothers are proud of the purely volunteer organization, but also confident in the
cause and its power to amalgamate individuals and athletes from all walks of life.
The 2010 Motionball Gala brought together good company, good food, and good entertainment all in support of a great cause. Organizers are pleased to announce that the gala surpassed its target of $150,000 in net proceeds for the Special Olympics Canada.
Go Canada Go.
Kathryn Kyte, Toronto News 24
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