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.
2023 - 2024 Award Winners & Citations:
Department of Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture Sport Volunteer of the Year Award
Fran Gillis
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.
Fran is the heart of Special Olympics programming in Summerside. Involved year-round, she has built an incredible relationship with athletes, volunteers, and caregivers. She volunteers with 5-pin Bowling, Bocce, Basketball, and local fundraising events. She has also been involved with youth programs and Team PEI over her 16 years at SOPEI. Fran is always willing to go the extra mile to see a smile on athletes faces.
Dr. Frank Hayden Award
Charles Beaulieu
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.
Charles thoroughly enjoys participating in SO. He is involved in 5-Pin Bowling, Bocce, Community Sport, and numerous local fundraising initiatives. Charles can be a little quiet until he gets to know you. He loves to engage with anyone and be included in many activities. Charles has grown each year, participating at some of the highest competitive levels. He is very caring and is always willing to help teammates and coaches.
Chris MacPherson Spirit Award presented by ADL
James O'Halloran
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.
James is a grassroots athlete and currently participates in Soccer, Curling, Golf, Bocce, and Wellness programs. He also participated in a number of Kings County Fundraisers. James is active in his community and is eager to participate in events. He is a joy to his coaches and volunteers, making everyone feel appreciated by his great smile and thankful heart. He is constantly cheering on his teammates and encouraging them to keep doing their best.
President’s Award
PEI School Athletics Association
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.
Thanks to the support from the PEI School Athletics Association, high schools have become more inclusive for students with intellectual disability. Because of Unified Sport, a model where students with and without an intellectual disability play on the same team, on the same court, Special Olympics PEI has been able to help move the needle of inclusion in Island schools. Seeing the value in this program, the PEISAA has embraced Unified Sport, and has worked to include Unified Bocce as a school sport.
Facility of the Year
Atlantic Police Academy
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.
APA is far more than a facility partner. New cadets experience the mission and values of the Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics movements, making an early connection in their careers with athletes and learning about the value of community engagement. Finding facility space in prime time can be challenging, but the APA has opened its doors to the Summerside Basketball Program for numerous seasons. They have prioritized inclusive access and are using it to build community.
David Andrew Memorial Award
Tracey & Mike Demeulenaere
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.
Special Olympics is a family affair for the Demeulenaere family. Centred around the involvement of Tracey and Mike’s middle daughter, Kelsey, all five members of this incredible family are ambassadors for the Special Olympics movement here in PEI. Tracey is a foundational volunteer with the youth programs in Charlottetown and Mike has been an active Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics committee member since 2015.
Maritime Electric Coaches of the Year Awards (2)
Kathleen MacNearney & Dave Morrow
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.
Kathleen became involved in coaching with Special Olympics because of her daughter, Ellen's involvement. Kathleen brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role of Head Coach for the sport of Cross Country Ski. She is always willing to take more coach education and training to ensure she is prepared for her athletes. She is very patient, has a fun personality, and knows how to get the best out of her athletes.
Dave currently volunteers with the Gala Committee, 5-Pin Bowling, and Major Fundraising events. What started as helping out a family connection, turned into a passion for the Movement. Being Head Coach for Team PEI 2024's 5-Pin Bowling team has been a highlight of Dave's time with Special Olympics PEI.
PEI Mutual Insurance Company Athletes of the Year Awards (2)
Rolanda Bridges & Logan Robbins
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.
Rolanda has been with Special Olympics for 16 years, participating in 5-Pin bowling and Bocce. She is passionate and takes her sports seriously. Rolanda did extremely well at National games winning 2 silver medals; one team and one individual! She is showing years of growth in her skills and how she deals with her emotions. Rolanda has overcome a lot in recent years, and is a true example of success from a lot of hard work and determination.
Logan had another amazing year in his favorite SO sports: Basketball, Soccer, Golf, Speed Skating, and Wellness programs. Logan has matured throughout his time in Special Olympics, and is the first youth program graduate to progress to National Competition. At the 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games he won 4 medals, and achieved 3 personal bests, all while cheering on athletes from other provinces.
Volunteer Pins
Volunteer Pins were presented to those who have contributed 5, 10, 15, and 20 years of service. 5-Year Pins were presented to: Haley MacDonald, Clifford Lee, George Charchuk, Louis Shea, and Matthew McNally. 10-Year Pins were presented to: Craig Watson, Laurie McNally, and Stella Carragher. A 15-Year Pin was presented to: Jamie Arsenault. 20-Year Gifts were presented to Donna Campbell, Michele Chapman, and Marian Fay
LETR Member of the Year Award
Additionally, the Law Enforcement Torch Run presented the LETR Member of the Year Award to Lori-Ann Duffy:
With 18 years on the provincial LETR committee, Lori is a dedicated leader, often working behind the scenes to support key fundraising and awareness events. As lead organizer of the annual “LETR Fun Run” in Cavendish, she ensures its success and growing popularity. Lori’s role as warden supervisor for PEI National Park is essential to the "World’s Largest Truck Convoy" and "Polar Plunge" events, where she manages permits, permissions, and safety with Parks Canada. Her commitment makes her an outstanding choice for this award.
Golisano Health Leadership Awards
As a recognized Healthy Community by Special Olympics International, Special Olympics PEI is proud to be part of a global movement that has prioritized the health of athletes on and off the field of play.
Every two years, the Golisano Health Leadership Award is given to select individuals or organizations that are dedicated to improving the health of people with intellectual disabilities and advancing the health work of Special Olympics. For their work in inclusive health, this year we are proud to recognize Dr. Melissa Cudmore and The UPEI Faculty of Nursing.
Dr. Melissa Cudmore, is Special Olympics PEI’s trained Clinical Director for Special Smiles. Melissa has taken the lead on over 144 local athlete screenings, providing athletes with professional advice on prevention or reduced risk for injury related to their oral health care and access to follow-up care.
The UPEI Faculty of Nursing continues to be a collaborative and forward-thinking partner with the support of many individuals. Under the leadership of Dr. Patrice Drake and many others on the team, we have been happy to be continued clinical partners since 2019-20.
