How Catch the Ace Keeps Kids with Autism in the Game

The OSEG Foundation is proud to launch a Catch the Ace in support of Autism Moves. Catch the Ace raffles provide players with multiple ways to win with weekly prizes and a growing progressive jackpot - all while making a lasting impact in our community.

Last spring, families across Ottawa watched their kids lose access to the sports they loved. Youth with autism across the city suddenly had no accessible sports programming. There were no teams that understood their needs and no programs built for how they move and connect. "Our son loves to be active but has never been able to join a ‘regular’ sports team due to social needs and motor-coordination difficulties. He was a big participant in so many activities at Ausome (Ottawa)," one parent said. "But once it closed down, we were left with nothing.” Youth with autism are already 74% less likely to join sports programming than their peers, and overnight they lost what little programming existed.

Autism Moves launched earlier this year to fill that gap. Now, to keep it running for years to come, the OSEG Foundation is launching a Catch the Ace raffle. By participating in this weekly raffle, you can help ensure that kids with autism have continued access to the life-changing power of sport.

Autism Moves Fills the Gap

Autism Moves gives youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) structured sports programming where each athlete gets one-on-one support from trained staff and volunteers. This matters. Only 14% of youth with ASD meet recommended physical activity levels, and Autism Moves gives them a place to change that. The program builds fundamental movement and physical literacy skills that help kids thrive far beyond the gym. So far in the program, 79% of families saw their child become more physically active and involved in sport, and 76% reported improvements in physical skills like agility, balance, and coordination.

Beyond the physical benefits, Autism Moves provides kids with a space where they feel welcomed while developing skills in peer connection and self-confidence. The benefits of this skill development are compounded when kids can participate year after year. That’s why it’s so important to have a stable source of funding for this program. "We were overjoyed when we heard of Autism Moves starting up," one parent said. "We can't express what a huge gap this has filled for our son. Our athletes deserve sports programming as well, and thanks to Autism Moves, they have it and love it! We hope it's here to stay." 

How Can I Support?

The closure of previous programs showed how quickly vital programs can disappear without sustainable funding. Autism Moves has filled that critical gap, but it needs ongoing community support to continue changing lives. Catch the Ace in support of Autism Moves is your chance to support this crucial program, all while having the chance to win big!

Each week, you can purchase your tickets for as little as $5, selecting one of 52 envelopes in the process. Every Wednesday at 6pm, one winner is drawn to claim the weekly prize (20% of that week's sales) and reveal the playing card in their chosen envelope. If it’s the Ace of Spades, they win the jackpot (30% of total raffle sales). If not, the jackpot rolls over and a new weekly draw begins. The remaining 50% of sales from the raffle goes to support Autism Moves to ensure kids with autism get the same opportunity to play sports as their peers.

Buy your tickets today at autismmovescatchtheace.com. Every ticket keeps kids in the game.