Companion of the Order of Canada
- Awarded on: May 19, 2022
- Invested on: November 17, 2022
Frank Joseph Hayden, C.C., O.Ont.
Oakville, Ontario
Frank Hayden is an icon in inclusive sport. Since spearheading the Special Olympics movement in the 1960s, he has strongly advocated the transformative effect of sport on the mental, physical and social well-being of people with intellectual disabilities. His trailblazing research on fitness programs for this population is still considered relevant today, and his efforts have contributed to the consistent growth in the number of participants in both the Summer and Winter Games. A beloved mentor to athletes and administrators alike, he inspires thousands of people around the world.
This is a promotion within the Order.