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Meet Softball Athlete, Emily Nelson

July 18, 2025
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    When Emily Nelson joined Special Olympics 4 years ago it was for a reason similar to many of her fellow athletes – to make friends.

    It was also 4 years ago that Emily moved into Life Bridges, a housing complex run by Queens County Residential Services in Charlottetown. As a supervised complex, the move for positive for Emily as it gave her the independence she was looking for, while also having an added layer of security for her first move out of living with her parents. In addition to a new environment, the other residents at Life Bridges introduced Emily to Special Olympics. That summer Emily joined the Charlottetown Softball program, and she hasn’t looked back since.

    Emily’s personality has blossomed since she joined Special Olympics. When Emily was younger her self confidence was much lower. She always wanted to participate in different activities, but didn’t feel part of the group. Now, she just loves going to all the practices and Special Olympics events. Before Special Olympics she had 2 or 3 good friends. Now she has numerous new friends. She has flourished in Special Olympics.
    Heather Nelson, Emily's mom

    This weekend Emily is a member of Team PEI Softball, and is competing at the Special Olympics New Brunswick Provincial Games. As has been a practice for many years, Special Olympics PEI often sends athletes to Provincial Games in either New Brunswick or Nova Scotia in order to have a quality competitive experience. Having only 1 competitive softball team, travelling to New Brunswick to join in on their Provincial Games gives Team PEI the opportunity to play against other teams, and experience of thrill of competition.

    We are looking forward to being in Woodstock, New Brunswick to watch Emily. We travelled to Fredericton last summer too. It’s not about the competition in Special Olympics. For Emily it’s always been about making friends and having fun.
    Heather Nelson, Emily's mom

    Looking ahead to the weekend, Emily, who plays at either 3rd base or as catcher, says: “I am looking forward to playing my best, and having fun. My goal is to try my best, and cheer on my teammates.”

    Emily speaks highly of her Team PEI Softball coaches. She credits them with being funny and helpful. She is working on listening to their advice more, especially when it comes to putting her foot on the base correctly.

    In addition to softball, Emily also participates in Floor Hockey with Special Olympics. Emily’s favourite memory with Special Olympics comes from a Floor Hockey competition in Greenwood. She recalls playing with Team PEI Gray that year, and how exciting it was that both PEI teams came home with Gold.

    When asked what she would say to someone who is thinking about signing up for Special Olympics Emily says: “ sign up – it’s an awesome organization to be with!”