The King Charles III Coronation Medal celebrates Canadians who have made outstanding contributions to their communities—and this year, several remarkable individuals from the Special Olympics Newfoundland & Labrador (SONL) community were among those honoured.
From program builders and longtime volunteers to passionate advocates and athlete leaders, each recipient has helped grow the movement across the province and championed the values of inclusion, empowerment, and civic service.
Below, we invite you to learn more about the Special Olympics Newfoundland & Labrador recipients and their incredible contributions to building a more inclusive Canada.
Jeffrey Butt – Like many great coaches, Jeffrey Butt is an expert in the sport that he has generously dedicated countless hours towards helping Special Olympics athletes master in their own competitions. As President of the Canadian Powerlifting Union, Jeffrey has been a powerlifting coach for over 25 years, culminating in the Newfoundlander becoming Head Coach of Canada’s Powerlifting Team during the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin. His leadership has been instrumental in developing athletes at the provincial and national levels.
Dr. Neil Cheeseman – Team Doctor for Canada during the upcoming 2025 Turin Games, Dr. Neil Cheeseman is a highly experienced volunteer from Newfoundland and Labrador. He has provided his medical services to Team Canada for every World Games event since 2013, having travelled to Pyeongchang, Los Angeles, Austria, Abu Dhabi, and Berlin. Neil is also a faculty member at Memorial University, serving as a Clinical Assistant Professor in Emergency Medicine. His unwavering commitment to athlete health and well-being has made a lasting impact on the Special Olympics community.
Rosie Ryan – With around 20 years of volunteer service, Rosemary “Rosie” Ryan has been an integral part of the Special Olympics movement. She has attended multiple World Games as an Assistant Coach for Athletics, including Abu Dhabi and Berlin. In 2018, the retired teacher from Stephenville, Newfoundland, was deeply moved when she was named Special Olympics Canada Coach of the Year—an honour that reflects her dedication to coaching and mentorship.
The King Charles III Coronation Medal is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities and the nation. For Special Olympics NL, this recognition highlights the ongoing efforts to create an inclusive and supportive environment for athletes of all abilities.
Special Olympics Canada has published a feature article celebrating these honourees. Read more about their achievements here.
Congratulations to Jeffrey Butt, Dr. Neil Cheeseman, and Rosie Ryan on this well-deserved honour!