Meet Team PEI 2026 Powerlifting

April 29, 2026

This August, Team PEI will be represented by 46 athletes and 25 coaches and mission staff at the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Athletes will be competing in 8 sports - Athletics, Basketball, Bocce, Golf, Powerlifting, Soccer, Softball and Swimming. Team PEI 2026 Powerlifting is made up of 2 athletes, 1 support staff, and 1 Head Coach!

Left to Right: Sophia Allen, Ellen Murphy (Head Coach), Cameron Gordon.

Missing: Katelynn Allen (Support Staff)

Team PEI Powerlifting is lead by Head Coach, Ellen Murphy. Ellen, a former competitive Powerlifter herself, first got involved with Special Olympics for 9 years as a Summer Student. Three years later Ellen started the Charlottetown Powerlifting program. While Ellen is attending the Olympics Canada Summer Games as a first time Head Coach, she is no stranger to National Games. Ellen has been a key member of Team PEI's Mission Staff for 4 previous Games.

Although I have had a few different experiences at Special Olympics Canada Games, this will be my first in a coaching position. I am excited to get to spend a lot more time with our athletes throughout this process and to be able to continue to develop stronger relationships with them while also helping them grow in their sport.

Ellen Murphy, Team PEI 2026 Powerlifting Head Coach

2 Special Olympics Powerlifting athletes with their Coach at a competition

I'm looking forward to the full process and getting to see our athletes through the full competitive cycle and see how much they can develop, both on and off the platform!

Ellen Murphy, Team PEI 2026 Powerlifting Head Coach

Sophia Allen has been a Special Olympics athlete for 7 years. She first joined to meet new friends and to play sports. The Special Olympics Canada Summer Games will be Sophia's first National Games.

I was anxious at first to try new things and go to different places. I have met lots of great friends and I really enjoy powerlifting

Team PEI 2026 Powerlifting athlete, Sophia Allen

Sophia says that Special Olympics has taught her the importance of hard work. Looking ahead of the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games, Sophia is looking forward to meeting new people and seeing some of her powerlifting friends from other provinces. She is also looking forward to cheering on her fellow Team PEI 2026 teammates!

Sophia's sister, Katelynn Anne, is a Support Staff with Team PEI 2026 Powerlifting. She is looking forward to creating an environment where everyone feels included, valued, and proud of what they can accomplish!

I joined Special Olympics because of my little sister (Team PEI Powerlifting athlete, Sophia Allan), has an intellectual disability, and was the first in our family to become involved. Watching her experience the joy of sport, build confidence, and feel included inspired me deeply. It sparked a real passion in me for inclusion and supporting athletes of all abilities. Being part of Special Olympics allows me to combine my love of physical activity with my commitment to creating welcoming spaces where everyone can thrive.

Katelynn Allen, Team PEI 2026 Support Staff

Special Olympics PEI, Powerlifting, 2 Athletes

Cameron Gordon has been a Special Olympics athlete for 11 years. Cameron is attending his second Special Olympics Canada Games, having also competed as a member of Team PEI Snowshoe in 2020.

My junior high school PE teacher suggested I try Powerlifting. I did and I loved it. I came to Special Olympics to see if they could help me develop in the sport. It changed my life in a million ways! I am physically very strong, but also mentally I am extremely disciplined and dedicated. I love being a powerlifter with Special Olympics.

Team PEI 2026 Powerlifting athlete, Cameron Gordon

Cameron is looking forward to travelling with Team PEI without his family and meeting other athletes. He says that Special Olympics has taught him to believe in himself, and to be proud of himself.

Being part of Team PEI makes me proud, I know I am lucky to be representing PEI, but I also know I worked really hard to get here and deserve this spot. I can’t wait to make PEI proud and to show Canada how awesome we are!

Cameron Gordon, Team PEI 2026 Powerlifting Athlete

Team PEI 2026 Powerlifting athlete, Sophia Allen, standing with a thank you sign

Support Team PEI 2026

If you would like to support Team PEI 2026 Powerlifting, please consider Drafting an Athlete. The Team PEI Draft an Athlete program allows supporters of the Special Olympics movement to fund a Team PEI athlete’s journey to National Games.