Enriching Lives Gala Celebrity Guests
We wish to thank our celebrity guests for helping to enrich the lives of our athletes by donating their time and talents for the Enriching Lives Gala. Please check back often as we continue to announce our celebrity line-up!
Dion Phaneuf
Retired NHL player
Dion Phaneuf has become a marque celebrity guest of the Enriching Lives Gala. A true supporter of the Special Olympics movement, Dion has made use of his personal connections and network to help grow the Enriching Lives Gala, assisting in making Special Olympics PEI’s signature fundraising event a must attend event in PEI. Dion was drafted 9th overall in the 2003 NHL entry draft. During his 14 year NHL career he played for the Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs, where he served as Team Captain, Ottawa Senators, and Los Angeles Kings. Dion is a three-time NHL All-Star. He officially announced his retirement from the NHL in November 2021.
Elisha Cuthbert
Actress & Model
Elisha Cuthbert is a longtime support of Special Olympics PEI, and her presence at the Enriching Lives Gala is much anticipated each year. Elisha is the recipient of several film and TV industry awards, including a Gemini, 4 Teen Choice Awards, and 2 Screen Actors Guild Awards. Her films include The Girl Next Door, Old School, Love Actually, Goon: Last of the Enforcers, and most recently, The Cellar and Bandit. Elisha's TV credits include playing Kimberly Bauer on the television show 24 and Abby on Netflick’s The Ranch.
Brett Gallant
Canadian Curling Champion
Brett Gallant, from Charlottetown, is one of Canada’s most successful male curlers, winning five Tim Hortons Brier titles during his career. Internationally, he earned an Olympic bronze medal at the 2022 Winter Olympics and an Olympic gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Jocelyn Peterman
Canadian Curling Champion
Jocelyn Peterman, from Red Deer, is an accomplished Canadian curler who won the Scotties Tournament of Hearts in 2016. She has also captured two Canadian mixed doubles championships and competed internationally as a member of Jennifer Jones’s team. Peterman represented Canada at the 2022 Winter Olympics with Team Jones and later qualified for the 2026 Winter Olympics in mixed doubles alongside Brett Gallant.
Tommy Ling
Special Olympics PEI Athlete of the Year
Tommy Ling has been a Special Olympics athlete for 11 years. Tommy is no stranger to competition having competed at 5 Special Olympics National Games. He competed at the 2012, 2016, 2020 and 2024 Winter Games in the sport of Cross Country Ski, and the 2018 Summer Games in the sport of Bocce. Tommy competed in Cross Country at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 where he earned a silver medal. He pushes through pain and is the first to cheer on his fellow athletes. Tommy is a clear example that age is only a number and competitive experiences are possible at any stage through Special Olympics.
Ellen MacNearney
Special Olympics PEI Athlete of the Year
Ellen MacNearney has been involved with Special Olympics for 16 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 were Ellen's second World Winter Games, having also represented Canada at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Pyeongchang 2013. Ellen earned 3 gold medals as a member of Special Olympics Team Canada 2025! In addition to sport she is an important Athlete Leader.
Callum McEwen
Special Olympics PEI Athlete of the Year
Callum McEwan, Charlottetown, has been a Special Olympics athlete for 8 years. Callum joined Special Olympics to support his participation in the sport of Figure Skating, being drawn to the inclusiveness Special Olympics provides. Callum competed in Figure Skating at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, where he earned a bronze medal. Callum was dedicated to his training and this sport while overcoming new experiences and challenges along the way.