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Meet first time Provincial Games athletes Zaki Agbyani and Shianne Perry

July 04, 2026
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    At this weekend's Provincial Summer Games, two Track & Field athletes, Zaki Agbyani and Shianne Perry, are competing for the first time as member of Team PEI.  Both athletes participate in the West Prince athletics program out of Westisle High.  They are supported this weekend by their local program coach, Donna Campbell. Both are excited for the opportunity to represent PEI for the first time!

    Zaki's goals for the weekend were to run the entire race, and to stay in this lane! Our local track at home doesn't have lanes, so this is new for Zaki. After his 100m race he is doing great!
    Donna Campbell, Head Coach Team PEI Athletics

    Zaki and Shianne have participated in Special Olympics for several years, mainly through his school. Each Fall and Spring season, they participate in Track & Field at Westisle. Special Olympics volunteer coach, Donna Campbell, goes to the school each week to offer the program to the Inclusive Education students. 

    They are so cheerful, and right into training every week. Both Zaki and Shianne are ready to get out there this weekend and give it their best! Shianne is right into the competition, while Zaki is still figuring some things out in terms of competing. They are both really enjoying it."
    Donna Campbell, Head Coach Team PEI Athletics

    Speaking about the benefit of Special Olympics, Donna Campbell comments that both Zaki and Shianne are more outgoing, and more confident through their involvement. 

    While this may be Zaki and Shianne's first Provincial Games experience, it is not their first Track & Field competition. In June both compete at the PEI School Athletics Association Track & Field Provincials. For the first time, Special Olympics athletes had the opportunity to advance from Zones to Provincials, the same as their generic peers. Competing for Westisle High, Zaki competed in the 100m and Long Jump, and Shianne competed in the 100m, Long Jump and Shot Put.  Both found success at those Provincials, earning several ribbons each. 

    Shianne's parents, Betty Anne and Dane Perry, are in the crowd cheering her on at Provincials this weekend.

    Last night's Opening Ceremonies... it was life changing. I think everyone should attend a Special Olympics Opening Ceremonies.
    Dane Perry

    Shianne's parents says she was excited about the competing at Provincials, and also nervous. 

    This is the first time she's been away from mom and dad overnight. And she's loving it! She's all excited to tell me everything they're doing.
    Betty Anne Perry

    Watching Shianne's first race of the day, the 100m, was filled with emotions for both Dane and Betty Anne. "Everyone was cheering them on, all the way down the track" noted Dane. "It was really good. Just to see her do her best, then you could tell because she had a big smile on her face when she crossed the finish line."

    Dane and Betty Anne notice a big difference in Shianne since joining Special Olympics. She has gained independence, amongst other life skills. Throughout Shianne's entire life, Dane and Betty Anne have always encouraged her to push past what others told them was impossible. 

    We adopted Shianne when she was 4 years old. She was slower to talk, and walk, and slower with everything. They basically told us she probably wouldn't be able to do any sports, because of her balance. We got her into hockey, and forced her to really work on the physical aspects, and it's paid off. Because she loves it so much.
    Dane Perry