Earlier this week 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.
2022 - 2023 Award Winners & Citations:
Department of Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture Sport Volunteer of the Year Award
Natasha Benoit
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.
Natasha Benoit who has volunteered with Bocce and numerous fundraising initiatives for the past 7 years! Natasha respects the athletes and encourages them to be their best on and off the Bocce field. Natasha has several qualities that make her a unique person. She is a fierce believer in inclusiveness and equality. She is also invested in connecting others to the movement, initiating an accessibility project through the UPEI Engineering Department, helping coworkers engage in community program volunteer opportunities, and connecting her employer Sekisui Diagnostics as sponsor for one of PEI’s fastest growing fundraising groups motionball – for Special Olympics PEI!
Dr. Frank Hayden Award
Paul MacMillan
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.
Paul MacMillan who has participated in Softball, 5-Pin Bowling, and Community Sport for over 16 years. Paul thoroughly enjoys participating in Special Olympics. He is always happy when he arrives at practice and does so with a smile. The smile gets even bigger when he is given the opportunity to play. He shows wonderful pride and happiness at succeeding. Paul does his best at practices and responds greatly to any suggestions the volunteers and coaches make. It doesn’t matter what sport the community sports program offers; he is there to enjoy them all. With encouragement from his coaches and fellow athletes, he shows a can-do attitude and always tries his best.
Chris MacPherson Spirit Award presented by ADL
Patti Bradley
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.
Patti Bradley has participated in Charlottetown Swimming, Adult Community Sport, and 5-Pin Bowling for over 10 years. Patti knew other athletes who participated in SOPEI, and decided to check out the programs for herself after receiving lots of positive encouragement from her friends. The sense of fun and friendship she felt made Patti want to join. Patti went on to represent PEI at the 2018 National Bowling Championships. She enjoys seeing everyone participating and encouraging each other to do their best. She always gives 100 percent in whatever sport she is involved with. She is always smiling and laughing and always cheering for her teammates and happy for them when they achieve their goals. Patti is an excellent example of trying your hardest to achieve your best and smiling through it all.
President’s Award
Delta Prince Edward by Marriott
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.
The Delta Prince Edward by Marriott has not only supported Special Olympics PEI for more than 20 years but has been partners on many other events and are genuinely friends. They have been a festival sponsor for many of those years, our largest fundraising event. The staff and management treat us like family here, and it has become a home for our festival. We consider their team champions of the Special Olympics movement. This award is being accepted by our friend Betty Anne Morrison. We are truly blessed to have her working on our behalf as a Special Olympics Festival Committee Volunteer. She is a great example of how your passion for work and community can come together.
Facility of the Year
Speed Skating PEI
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.
With support from their executive and membership, they have supported SO speed skaters since 2018. They share a desire to grow the game for all ages and abilities. The club is very approachable, has the athlete's best interests in mind and has offered technical support for anything our group needs. The program allows the SO Athletes to be part of their speedskating practice in the Rec program with generic skaters and has ensured an SO category for the athletes to compete in during the race weekends. They celebrate everyone’s accomplishments outside of the Speed Skate PEI events. We genuinely feel like the Speed Skate PEI family members and are encouraged about the program's future growth.
David Andrew Memorial Award
Charlie & Sharon Koughan
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.
Special Olympics PEI makes this award available for annual presentation to a Parent/Guardian/Caregiver who has made a significant contribution to the Special Olympics movement locally and/or provincially, and has best exemplified the spirit, philosophy and goals of Special Olympics PEI.
Charlie and Sharon Koughan have supported all their children in many ways on and off the field of play. They have worked hard to ensure all their children benefit from sports and recreation activities. Their sons, Jordan and Declan, participate and compete in multiple Special Olympics PEI sports. Their daughters played generic sports and volunteered when they could with SOPEI. Sharon and Charlie understand the importance of being active and building skills. Charlie has added to his volunteer roles and now has a crucial role in the Charlottetown Softball program, along with supporting other activities. They are strong advocates and number-one fans!
Maritime Electric Coaches of the Year Awards (2)
Kieran Goodwin & Jodi Harper
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.
Kieran Goodwin: Kieran Goodwin first volunteered with his work in 2018 and has never left! He has been connected through Floor Hockey, Soccer, and other fundraising events. Kieran is now a year-round coach. The excitement the athletes bring to weekly programs is Kieran's favourite part of volunteering. Seeing the lifelong friendship formed through Special Olympics is unique and is part of why Kieran enjoys his time coaching so much. He is a fantastic coach to all the athletes and an amazing person. Kieran is always positive and loves to bring the best out in anyone he is surrounded with. In late 2022, he accepted a new position as Team Canada Training Coach for Alyssa Chapman, who earned a spot as a member of Special Olympics Canada’s womens 7-a-side soccer team. He motivated her and helped her achieve the goals set by her program coaches. Alyssa went on to win a Bronze medal with her team at the 2023 World Summer Games in Berlin.
Jodi Harper: Jodi Harper has dedicated 20 years to the movement and is a foundational volunteer who fills many roles within the organization. Jodi is most known for her role as Head Coach of Athletics and the passionate member of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics PEI. Jodi also supports many other events. Jodi has been someone athletes have respected and trusted with sport and life. In late 2022, Jodi accepted the Team Canada Training Coach role for the second time in 10 years. This time, she would work with Jeremy Wall, who earned a spot as a member of the Special Olympics Canada athletics program. Jodi and Jeremy have a long-lasting coach-athlete relationship since 2013, and she has supported Jeremy through injuries and very challenging competitive environments. She held him accountable for training, sleep, diet, and medical concerns. Jeremy often explains how Jodi’s patience meant everything to him. She showed that she believed in him and gave him the confidence to be the best athlete he could be. Jeremy achieved gold and two bronze at the 2023 World Summer Games in Berlin.
PEI Mutual Insurance Company Athletes of the Year Awards (2)
Jeremy Wall & Rhonda Fall
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.
Jeremy Wall: Jeremy Wall has been an athlete for over 16 years. In addition to athletics, Jeremy also participates in floor hockey and basketball. He dedicates himself and disciplines himself to improving. Jeremy perseveres and is a great teammate. At all times, he listens to his coaches and always does his best. Jeremy represented Canada and PEI on the world stage at the Special Olympics World Games 2023. Jeremy viewed these Games as completing his comeback story, as his opportunity to show the world what he's got! Jeremy was disappointed with his results at the 2018 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games after being disqualified in the 800m finals. It was heartbreaking that things didn't go Jeremy's way in 2018. Jeremy completed this journey by being selected to Team Canada and achieving gold and two bronze at the 2023 World Summer Games in Berlin.
Rhonda Fall: Rhonda Fall has been a Special Olympics athlete for 13 years. She joined Special Olympics to make new friends and gain new experiences. In addition to snowshoeing, Rhonda participates in Soccer, Golf, Swimming, Curling, Fitness, and Walking programs. Rhonda's favourite Special Olympics moment was winning 3 Gold medals at the 2023 Special Olympics New Brunswick Provincial Winter Games. Following this qualifying event, Rhonda was identified for the Team PEI snowshoeing team and will represent PEI at the 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Calgary. She is a very dedicated athlete to her training and competition. She uses humour to connect with others and enjoys meeting new people. She is very kind and supportive of her teammates, competitors, coaches and officials.
Volunteer Pins
Volunteer Pins were presented to those who have contributed 5, 10, 15, 20 and 40 years of service. 5-Year Pins were presented to: Natasha Benoit, Roberta Crossman, Mel Demy, Cassidy Ellands, Katelyn Ellands, Jeff MacKenzie, and Larry Robbins. 10-Year Pins were presented to: Beth Muggah and Linda Pyke. 15-Year Pins were presented to: Fran Gillis and Jamie Matheson. A 20-Year Gift was presented to Jodi Harper. A 40-Year Gift was presented to CY Holland.
LETR Member of the Year Award
Additionally, the Law Enforcement Torch Run presented the LETR Member of the Year Award to Kristi MacKay:
As a 12-year dedicated member, Kristi has demonstrated an unparalleled passion for supporting Special Olympics and fostering positive change within our community. Kristi’s tireless efforts have significantly contributed to the success of our fundraising campaigns, such as the Polar Plunge, Truck Convoy and May Fun Run, which, in turn, directly impact the lives of Special Olympics athletes. Kristi has been a member of the LETR Final Leg teams for both the National Games in Antigonish in 2018 and the Thunder Bay in 2020 where she was part of carrying the “Flame of Hope” across NS and Ontario into the opening ceremonies.
Her enthusiasm and energy are contagious and all of those she speaks to can clearly see her passion for community, policing, and for LETR. As a volunteer Kristi has been very giving of her time and has worked to foster strong relationships with other members of the LETR community. As the out-going Director, Kristi has helped the PEI LETR Committee reach new heights.
Athlete Leadership Academy Graduates
The Special Olympics PEI Athlete Leadership Academy is an opportunity for Island athletes and volunteers to gain knowledge and experience in several modules/courses beyond sports training and competition. Athletes who explore and complete these workshops will build community and be more empowered to reach their full potential. The Leadership Academy equips athletes with the tools to undertake leadership positions within their community and the broader movement.
The following Athlete / Mentor pairs were recognized: Hailliegh Mill, Jennifer Hickox / Carole Ann French, and Heidi Mallet / Genna Phelan.
