Ellen MacNearney, Brudenell, has been involved with Special Olympics for 15 years. Over the years Ellen has experienced tremendous success in sport. Ellen is a natural athlete, one who exemplifies the term multi-sport athlete. The Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 will be Ellen's second World Winter Games, having also represented Canada at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Pyeongchang 2013.
Ellen first got involved with Special Olympics after her swim team coach suggested that she join. Before that suggestion, Ellen had not heard of Special Olympics. Ellen credits the advice of her former swim team coaches with not only helping her makes lots of new friends, but also keeping her active.
Ellen first started competitive Cross Country Skiing at the Special Olympics Provincial Winter Games 2011. Surprising everyone, Ellen came out of nowhere to win 2 Gold and 1 Silver medals, earning her a sport on Team PEI ahead of the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games 2012 St. Albert. Ellen stole the spotlight in St. Albert winning 3 Gold Medals. Due to this great success, Ellen was named to Special Olympics Team Canada and had the opportunity to compete at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Pyeongchang 2013. On the world stage Ellen represented her country to the best of her abilities, and won 1 Gold and 1 Bronze medal. To cap off this incredible 2 year run, Ellen was named Special Olympics Canada's Female Athlete of the Year, for the first time, in 2013.
Ellen has competed at a total of 6 National Games, 4 times in the sport of Cross Country Ski and twice in the sport of Swimming. Furthermore, Ellen has the added experience of having competed at the 2017 Canada Games in the Special Olympics division in the sport of Swimming. Ellen was named Special Olympics Canada's Female Athlete of the Year, for the second time, in 2018.
When asked about her favourite Special Olympics moment, Ellen said, "Back in 2013 I was named to Special Olympics Team Canada and had the opportunity to compete at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Pyeongchang 2013 in the sport of Cross Country Ski. I got to meet lots of new friends, and experience a new culture. While I was competing my best friend from high school, Emily Chapman, was there watching her sister, and my fellow Special Olympics Team Canada athlete, Alyssa Chapman, compete in Figure Skating. Emily was there when I won the gold medal in my 1km race!"
Ellen considers it to be both an honour and a privilege to be part of Special Olympics Team Canada. Ellen's goal for Turin is "to win a medal, but I will not have my heart set on it in case I don't."
As she works to prepare for Turin, Ellen has been supported by local training coach, Ellen MacNearney. Along with being Ellen's mother, and Team PEI 2024 Cross Country Ski Head Coach, Kathleen has taken on the added volunteer role of Special Olympics Team Canada training coach. With support and guidance from Special Olympics Team Canada Coaches, Kathleen continues to work with Ellen weekly to help prepare her to once again represent Canada on the world stage. Kathleen brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role of Training Coach. Kathleen for been Team PEI's Cross Country Ski Head Coach for the last third consecutive National Winter Games.
Off skis, Ellen is heavily involved with Special Olympics in a leadership role. Ellen joined Special Olympics PEI's Board of Directors in 2022 as an Athlete Representative. Ellen viewed the opportunity as a fun new challenge. Ellen also saw the importance of an athlete having a voice on the Board. As both a trained Health Messenger, and graduate of Special Olympics PEI's Athlete Leadership Academy, and a decorated and celebrated Special Olympics athlete, Ellen brings a strong voice to Special Olympics PEI's Board of Directors.
Cheer on Ellen and Special Olympics Team Canada at the Send-Off
Join us on February 20th (storm date February 27th) for a Send-Off as we celebrate the 6 Islanders who are travelling to Italy as part of Special Olympics Team Canada for the World Winter Games!
Door will open at 6:30PM, for a 7:00PM start, following the event there will be light refreshments, and the opportunity to wish these Team members all the best!
Cross Country Ski - Ellen MacNearney
Cross Country Ski - Tommy Ling
Figure Skate - Callum McEwan
Chef de Mission - Charity Sheehan
Mission Staff - Genna Phelan
Communications Liaison - Sarah Profitt-Wagner
More about the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025
The Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 are taking place March 8-15, 2025. Special Olympics Team Canada is composed of 91 athletes and 43 coaches, mission staff, and leadership members. These Games are the world's largest sports and humanitarian event, composed of more than 1,500 athletes from 102 delegations.
