2024-2025 Annual Awards Winners

Recently Special Olympics PEI hosted our Annual Awards. Together we celebrated another successful year of enriching the lives of Islanders with an intellectual disability through sport. 

2024 - 2025 Award Winners & Citations:

Facility of the Year

Montague Curling Club

The Facility of the Year is presented annually to a facility which opens their doors and hearts to allow Special Olympics PEI programs to call their facility home.

The Montague Curling Club share a desire to grow the game for all ages and abilities. They are very approachable, and have supported anything the group may need. They have hosted several of SOPEI’s end-of-season curling events. They are also very generous with the facility rate for our group.

Dr. Frank Hayden Award

Kelsey Demeulenaere

This award is named in honor of Dr. Frank Hayden, who in the early sixties began searching for ways to establish a national sport program for individuals with an intellectual disability. His research eventually led to the development of the Special Olympics movement. This award is presented annually to a Special Olympics PEI athlete who has shown commitment to training and the determination to succeed at the grass-roots level.

Kelsey is a joy to have in the program, making everyone feel appreciated by her great smile and thankful heart. She encourages those around her and truly shows the spirit of Special Olympics. She has demonstrated great improvement in personal growth and has attended programming in two regions since she was two years old. Through this commitment and dedication, she was recognized by her coaches and peers as deserving of the Dr. Frank Hayden Award. 

David Andrew Memorial Award

Larry and Jackie Robbins

This award was developed in memory of David Andrew, member who passed away in 2002, to honor some under recognized heroes within Special Olympics PEI; parents/guardians/caregivers. David Andrew was a shining example of many of our parents and guardians involved in Special Olympics PEI. He was always in the background, supporting his son Scott with all of his endeavors, helping with fund-raising and most of all, cheering his son on from the sidelines.

Larry and Jackie have supported there two boys in many ways on and off the field of play. They have worked hard to ensure both their children benefit from sports and recreation activities. They understand the importance of being active and building skills. Larry has also contributed many years as volunteer in the Charlottetown Soccer, Golf, and Speed Skating programs, along with supporting other activities. They are strong advocates and number-one fans!

Chris MacPherson Spirit Award presented by ADL

Evan Blood

The Chris MacPherson Spirt Award presented by ADL is presented annually to a Special Olympics PEI athlete who brings out the best in their self, fellow athletes and coaches through commitment, determination and humour.

Evan enjoys his SOPEI programs and seeing everyone participating. He always gives 100 percent in whatever sport he is involved with and has demonstrated personal growth and development. He is often smiling, laughing, and cheering for his teammates. He has some of the most genuine celebrations when he gets on the podium or has a great shot. Evan is an excellent example of trying your hardest to achieve your best and smiling through it all.

LETR Member of the Year

Mike Demeulenaere

Some people show up. Others transform the space around them.

This honouree has spent the past decade building bridges between law enforcement and Special Olympics PEI athletes...not just through fundraising, but through friendship. He’s the driving force behind many spirited soccer and floor hockey games that unite LETR members and athletes in joy, competition, and mutual respect. He has raised thousands of dollars through the many annual LETR events, like Polar Plunge, but his ultimate goal is inclusion.

For the past five years, he’s also been a steady presence in our Active Start and Fundamentals programs, showing up week after week with kindness, patience, and a deep belief in every athlete’s potential. His generosity is quiet, his integrity unwavering, and his impact undeniable.

He doesn’t seek recognition. He seeks connection. And tonight, we honour him for the countless ways he’s made our community stronger, more inclusive, and more joyful.

Department of Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture Sport Volunteer of the Year Award

Kaylee Doiron

The Department of Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture Sport Volunteer of the Year Award is presented annually to a Special Olympics PEI sport volunteer who through their commitment to enriching the lives of Islanders with an intellectual disability through sport, has made a difference in their community.

Kaylee is a year-round dedicated volunteer and she shows great enthusiasm for athlete’s accomplishments. Kaylee was able to adapt to the different activities and assist all athletes so that they all had a positive experience. They look forward to seeing her at the practices. Kaylee’s ability to relate and communicate with each athlete make their interactions enjoyable. She is a wonderful mentor to them on the field and within the community whenever they meet.  

President’s Award

Stingray – Ocean 100 & Hot 105.5

The President’s Award acknowledges volunteers who have made a significant contribution to the Special Olympics movement locally, provincially and or nationally and has best exemplified the spirit, philosophy, and goals of Special Olympics PEI.

Stingray is the official Radio Partner of SOPEI for 5+ years; Event Sponsor for the Enriching Lives Gala for 15+ years; Radio DJs are long time partners and hosts at events including our Gala and this Annual Awards event. Stingray and their staff are champions of spreading our message of inclusion, while promoting our event and opportunities for athletes. They truly believe in our work, and use their position as 2 popular PEI radio stations to amplify our message. Stingray is part of the SOPEI family! 

Maritime Electric Coaches of the Year Awards (2)

Kieran Goodwin & Debbie Metcalfe

The Maritime Electric Coaches of the Year awards are presented annually to two of Special Olympics PEI’s most outstanding coaches who through, their commitment to coaching, helped athletes reach their athletic pursuits.

This is Kieran’s second time as a Coach of the Year. He is a year-round coach and the excitement the athletes bring to weekly programs is Kieran’s favorite part of volunteering. He is a fantastic coach to all the athletes and an amazing role model. Kieran is always positive and loves to bring the best out in anyone he is surrounded with. He has coordinated connections with other groups he is a part of that provide additional opportunity to SO athletes and fosters inclusive communities.    

Debbie is also a year-round coach and this marks her second time as a Coach of the Year. The swim team of seven athletes that she was a part of the past summer saw each athlete earn multiple podium appearances and many new personal best times. This has not been the first time her and other coaches have seen great success at Provincials or Local meets. All of the athletes love her and her approach to coaching. Debbie has lots of patience and is very consistent with her approach. She is very encouraging and empowers athletes to become more independent and successful in their personal lives. Debbie’ approach has been to empower the entire coaching team in her program and continues to be a strong mentor to new coaches. 

PEI Mutual Insurance Company Athletes of the Year Awards (3)

Tommy Ling, Ellen MacNearney and Callum McEwan

The PEI Mutual Insurance Athletes of the Year awards are presented annually to two Special Olympics PEI athletes for the most outstanding athletic performance at a Provincial, National or International Competition.