Meet 5-Pin Bowling athlete, Jalen Flanagan

May 24, 2026

Jalen Flanagan joined Special Olympics in 2018, and since then his confidence has grown immensely. From a shy high school student, Jalen has embraced everything Special Olympics has to offer, and is now competing at the Rickey Burns Memorial 5-Pin Bowling Provincials.

Jalen says that he joined Special Olympics to get some exercise, and now he is trying to get as many strikes as possible.

I love Special Olympics because I feel included. If someone is thinking about joining, I say Welcome Aboard!

Jalen Flanagan

Jalen attended Three Oaks Senior High in Summerside, and like many Summerside area athletes, was introduced to Special Olympics by newly retired Inclusive Education teacher, Fran Gillis.

As a high school Inclusive Education teacher I knew that if students got involved with Special Olympics, and heard about it when they were in school, they could continue on after high school. It very much allows them to take part in a sport that they enjoy, with their friends. I've seen Jalen's confidence and social skills, including dealing with big crowds, grow. Special Olympics has made a big difference in their lives.

Fran Gillis, Jalen's 5-Pin Bowling Coach

When Jalen isn't bowling, he also participates in Special Olympics Bocce. Aside from Special Olympics, Jalen says video games keep him busy. Jalen also attends Community Connections where he is responsible for delivering power bills.

Jalen's mother, Susan Duplessis, agrees that Special Olympics has had tremendous benefits for her son. She credits Special Olympics with helping Jalen make new friends, and find a peer group.

Special Olympics is important for Jalen to get out and socialize. It helps him to make friends, and get some exercise too. Special Olympics offers such a variety of sports, and athletes can pick and chose what they might like better, and what they might excel at. Jalen didn't get to where he's at today overnight. We did a lot of practice, and it takes time and dedication.

Susan Duplessis, Jalen's mother

Jalen's father Patrick Flanagan, was also on hand to watch him bowl. Patrick says Jalen takes after his grandmother, who was a great bowler. "He's catching up to grandma!"

I am so proud of him. He gets out amongst a crowd of people, and he is enjoying himself. When Jalen was younger he had a lot of issues with noise sensitivities. Over the years, after being around crowds at different venues, it has helped him in getting used to the noise.

Patrick Flanagan, Jalen's father

Jalen has a newfound confidence thanks to Special Olympics, something that benefits all aspects of his life. Before joining Special Olympics Jalen struggled with crowds. Now, in addition to attending the Rickey Burns Memorial 5-Pin Bowling Tournament with hundreds of other athletes, he is also getting out into the community more. Jalen has attends several concerts, including his favourite, ACDC.