Toronto Argos wide receiver, Adriano Belli getting put on the spotlight by TSN's Jennifer Hedger
Michael Pinball Clemons, Mike Bradwell, Damon Allen, Jennifer Hedger

Pinball Clemons, Mike Bradwell, Damon Allen, Jennifer Hedger

After the Special Olympics Festival breakfast earlier in the morning, the Special Olympics Festival Gala was hosted by Jennifer Hedger and Rod Black from TSN to celebrate the 30th annual Special Olympics Festival gala. The evening featured a large silent auction, a great aerial performance, a grand live auction (including a Toyota Camry Hybrid), and musical entertainment by up-and-coming Canadian recording artist, Melissa Bel.

Aerial performance

Aerial performance

Tons of Canadian celebrity athletes were in attendance including Olympic gold medalist Rosie MacLennan, Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Ricky Romero, Pinball Clemons, Adriano Belli (aka “The Kissing Bandit”), Mike Bradwell,, Damon Allen, Mark Tewksbury and so many more. We also spotted Aliya-Jasmine Sovani of MTV News.

Toronto Argonauts, Mike Bradwell and MTV News, Aliya Jasmine Sovani

Toronto Argonauts, Mike Bradwell and MTV News, Aliya Jasmine Sovani

It was funny to hear Jennifer Hedger recap Adriano Belli’s performance leading up to the Grey Cup win including breaking the Grey Cup. He took it all in great stride saying that since he couldn’t break an arm he had to break the Grey Cup’s arm.

Toronto Argos wide receiver, Adriano Belli getting put on the spotlight by TSN's Jennifer Hedger

Toronto Argos wide receiver, Adriano Belli getting put on the spotlight by TSN’s Jennifer Hedger

What a day of celebrations and tons of great support for the Special Olympics!


Notable tweets from the evening:

Also, check out our pictures from the breakfast on our Facebook album.

ABOUT THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS FESTIVAL

The Special Olympics Festival is a legendary Toronto tradition that offers sport fans an opportunity to meet some fo their heroes wile supporting Special Olympic Canada’s programs and athletes.

Thirty years ago, a Toronto boardroom was the scene for a brainstorming session among brothers Brian and Bruce Etherington, and friend David Garard. Together, they created the Sports Celebrity Festival, a sports-themed breakfast with a purpose — to weave new strands of generosity and caring into the fabric of national life. Over time, the event grew in popularity and form, and became the Special Olympics Festival with events happening from coast to coast to coast.

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Nick Lee

Editor and Photos at BestOfToronto.net