Meet Team PEI 2026 Golf Athlete, Matthew Jehn

Team PEI 2026 Golf athlete, Matthew Jehn, started off by swinging the golf club in the backyard four years ago. Fast-forward to present, and Matthew is preparing to represent PEI at the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games this August in Medicine Hat, Alberta. 

Matthew first joined Special Olympics 3 years ago at the encouragement of the staff at Pioneer Apartments where he lives. They wanted Matthew to get out in the community to meet new people. While Matthew knew how to swing a club, he had never been on a golf course before when he signed up for the Charlottetown Golf program. Matthew found some amazing coaches at the program, volunteers like (Team PEI Golf Coach / Caddie) Shayne Hogan. 

The Special Olympics Canada Games 2026 will be Matthew's first National Games. Travelling to Alberta will also be Matthew's first time, aside from once as a baby, on an airplane. Matthew says he is excited, and nervous. 

Matthew is training hard to prepare for Games. This Winter he has participated in the Charlottetown Floorball program, and takes part in the Synergy Fitness program. He has also implemented some of the learnings from Team PEI Nutrition Sessions with Nancy Fong. Matthew says he is focusing on eating more protein and veggies, and making sure he drinks lots of water. 

Living away from family has been a challenge Matthew has overcome. Matthew has spent most of his life living in Group Homes or in Foster Care. Through it all, Matthew's grandmother has been a constant in his life. Matthew lived briefly with his grandmother when he was 18, while transitioning to living at Pioneer Apartments. Today, Matthew spends weekends and holidays with his grandmother. Together they enjoy baking, especially cinnamon rolls at Christmas, and going for walks on the beach.