CBU Students and Alumni Step Up for 2025 Unama’ki – Cape Breton motionball

Now in its fifth year, 2025 Unama’ki – Cape Breton motionball Marathon of Sport returns on Saturday, June 21, at the Ness Timmons Soccer Field. With 28 teams and more than 400 participants expected, this high-energy, inclusive event brings together students, athletes and community members for a day of connection, celebration and support for Special Olympics Canada.

What makes motionball especially meaningful to CBU is the strong presence of students, alumni and employees, many of whom have volunteered in the past and returned this year with even greater involvement. Among many volunteers, Amy Richardson, a Bachelor of Arts alumna and current Bachelor of Social Work student, has entered a team with her classmates. “The values of the Social Work program are focused on different ways of learning, relearning and seeing the world through multiple perspectives, and entering a motionball team seemed like a no-brainer,” Amy says. “We want to help further promote education and awareness surrounding the Special Olympics and Canadians with different abilities to ensure that everyone is safe, respected and included.”

For Amy, the event is extra special because her younger brother is attending as an athlete for the third year in a row. “Every year, he’s always excited for this day to come,” shares Amy. “He has made so many great connections with his teammates and other athletes over the years, it’s like him getting back together with friends after not seeing them for a while.”

For Lauren MacDougall, a fourth-year Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Chemistry student, motionball represents an opportunity to stay connected with campus life while promoting inclusion through something fun and engaging. For the past two years, Lauren has created a team of friends from the Chemistry program. “The experience was so memorable for everyone that continuing our involvement this year felt like an easy decision,” she says. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to connect my CBU Chemistry crew with such an important cause.”

Lauren has also participated in motionballU events at Dalhousie University and even has a friendly competition with friends to see who can raise the most money for the cause. “Last summer, I approached each chemistry faculty member to ask if they would consider donating, and every one of them said yes without hesitation,” she shares. “That kind of support truly speaks volumes about the sense of community we have at CBU.”

Julia MacIsaac, a two-time CBU alumna with a BSc in Chemistry and a Bachelor of Education (BEd), has entered a team full of fellow teachers from her BEd class. “This not only brings awareness and raises money for a great cause, but also allows us to stay involved with our community,” she shares.

Julia believes the experience can help the team create a more inclusive space for everyone. “motionball promotes inclusivity and equity and creates a supportive environment, and these factors play a part in what we aspire to bring to our classrooms as future teachers,” she says. “By donating and taking part in motionball, we are creating an inclusive environment and supporting Special Olympic athletes to have the chance to participate in the sports they enjoy, while engaging in a fun day full of friendly mini games.”

With four years of coaching experience for various Cape Breton Special Olympics sports, including track and field, snowshoeing and basketball, Chloe Kerr is also no stranger to motionball. Currently in her final year of a Nursing degree, Chloe is excited to enter a team once again. “Being a part of something as remarkable as motionball is an amazing incentive to bring more life into the community,” she shares. “It also brings a sense of belonging and inclusion, both on and off the playing field.”

Through Special Olympics and motionball, Chloe has established lifelong connections and friendships that have shaped her life. “Every athlete I’ve met has brought so much more meaning into my world,” she adds. “motionball is an event I look forward to participating in each year, and I am thrilled to be participating alongside my classmates and these wonderful athletes!”

At the core of this exciting day is Ethan Merlin, a BEd alumnus, middle school math teacher and Unama’ki-Cape Breton motionball’s Event Director. Growing up with a neighbour who has Down Syndrome, Ethan learned early on what real joy and inclusion look like, and he carries that lesson into everything he does. “motionball has quickly become one of the most incredible parts of my life,” he shares. “To be in the position where I can bring hundreds of community members to spend the day with my favourite people, raising funds and awareness for something so dear to my heart, is truly a blessing.”

For Ethan, the growing love and support are what bring him back year after year. “Being part of the motionball family has shown me the importance of support and the belief that everyone deserves a chance to succeed,” he adds. “Thanks to my neighbour, I was introduced to the biggest family on the Island, and we’re always looking to welcome more members. I invite you all to come out and be a part of it.”

2025 Unama’ki – Cape Breton motionball Marathon of Sport takes place on Saturday, June 21, at the Ness Timmons Soccer Field. For more information on the event, please visit motionball.com/capebreton/ or email capebreton@motionball.com.