Capital Current introduces people who have had an impact on the city.
Who is Elliott Hartell?
Elliott Hartell is a basketball player with a “passion for inclusive sport for all.” As a Special Olympics Ontario partner, he spent three years teaching sports to students with physical and developmental disabilities.
What is his background?
Eighteen-year-old Hartell was born in Vancouver but raised in Ottawa. He graduated from Glebe Collegiate Institute in June. He is now on a gap year, planning to study biochemistry or kinesiology at university.
What is he known for in Ottawa?
Aside from being a rising basketball prospect, Hartell was recognized as the 2025 Unified Partner of the Year by Special Olympics Ontario on Oct. 23 for making a positive impact on students with disabilities.
From Grades 10 to 12, Hartell was the captain of Glebe Collegiate’s Unified Champion Schools program. He said he “was instantly hooked” after seeing the positivity of students and volunteers who participated in practices.
The program aims to build communities within schools by teaching students with disabilities how to play sports. Under Hartell’s leadership, his school’s program grew from five to 60 volunteers.
“I’m a strong believer that everyone should have equal access to sports,” he said in an email exchange. “They are foundational pillars for growth, connection and community.”
Hartell was also one of the first recipients of the David Branch Leadership Scholarship, which was awarded to him by the Ontario Hockey League on Oct. 2. The scholarship was named after the hockey league’s former commissioner, David Branch, who, the league says, was dedicated to the Special Olympics Ontario.
What do people say about him?
Angela Nixon, an educational assistant at Glebe Collegiate and the catalyst for Hartell joining the Unified Champion Schools program, told the Ontario Hockey League that Hartell is a “positive role model for all those who are lucky to be near him.”
Special Olympics Ontario says Hartell has created a legacy of “kindness, leadership, and lasting impact” in Ottawa.
What’s something people don’t know about him?
Hartell has been playing the guitar for more than eight years. His passion for music has led him to perform at RBC Ottawa Bluesfest, as part of the Bluesfest School of Music and Art program. The program allows students to compose two songs and play them at the music festival.
