Wizard Evorp Foundation

The main activity of Wizard Foundation is organizing charitable events, notably the "NHL Playoff Hockey Pool", an annual prediction contest on the NHL playoffs. Funds raised during this event are intended to support Special Olympics Ontario, thereby contributing to the funding and improvement of programs for athletes with intellectual disabilities in the province. The main product/service offered is therefore the management of charitable sports pools, targeting a market composed of individuals, teams, and businesses wishing to support a social cause while participating in a fun and competitive hockey-centered activity.

The Wizard Foundation was created over 35 years ago by nine high school friends eager to give back to the community. From the outset, the organization chose Special Olympics Ontario (SOO) as the main beneficiary of its charitable efforts. Since its inception, the foundation has donated over $2.8 million to SOO, impacting the lives of more than 26,000 people with intellectual disabilities.

The founding event of the Wizard Foundation, the "Playoff Pool," was launched on April 5, 1988, with 15 teams, thanks to the inspiration of Brian Etherington and David Garard, and the support of Paul Beeston and the Toronto Blue Jays. The event has seen continuous growth, bringing together many participants and partners each year.

Among the key figures, Bob Nicholson played a central role as president and driving force of the foundation, receiving the Harry "Red" Foster Award from Special Olympics Canada in 2014 for his outstanding commitment. Paul Damp, one of the founders, is the only one to have participated in every edition of the event. Joe Bowen, for his part, served as the "Commissioner" of the event for 31 of the first 35 years, embodying the spirit and humor of the foundation.

TSN (The Sports Network) is a major partner, supporting the foundation for over three decades thanks to the commitment of its successive leaders.

Today, the Wizard Foundation continues to organize its famous "NHL Playoff Hockey Pool," which raised over $90,000 during the last edition, thus continuing its mission to support Special Olympics Ontario athletes and to mobilize the community around values of solidarity and inclusion.

The Wizard Foundation was founded by nine high school friends, including Paul Damp (founder and organizer of the original event, the only participant to have brought a team to every edition for 35 years). The event was inspired by the work of Brian Etherington and David Garard, with the support of Paul Beeston and the Toronto Blue Jays.

Bob Nicholson is the president and driving force of the Wizard Foundation. His commitment to the Special Olympics movement was recognized by the Harry "Red" Foster Award from Special Olympics Canada in 2014.

Joe Bowen served as the commissioner of the event for 31 of the first 35 years, bringing his expertise, humor, and dedication.

The historic leadership team therefore includes: Bob Nicholson (president), Paul Damp (founder and organizer), Joe Bowen (commissioner), as well as founding members Brian Etherington and David Garard.