Meet Team PEI 2026 Swimming athlete, Matthew Gallant
Matthew Gallant joined Special Olympics to be active and learn new sports. With a growing self confidence, Matthew is preparing for the Special Olympics Canada Games this Summer!
Matthew has always liked swimming. He recalls fondly swimming in his family's pool when they lived in Ontario. When his family moved to PEI 10 years ago he was introduced to Special Olympics through Inclusions East. Matthew then started his transition from swimming for fun, to competitive swimming.
Matthew says he is both excited and nervous for the Special Olympics Canada Games this Summer. He is spending lots of time in the pool getting ready, swimming both at his local pool in Montague, TCAP, and session in Charlottetown with Team PEI 2026 Swimming coach, Taliena Howden.
When Matthew isn't swimming he keeps busy at Inclusions East where he does cleaning at Brudenell Golf Course. At home his family has a small farm and garden, and it's Matthew responsible to feed and water the roasters and chickens.
Matthew has made lots of friends through Special Olympics, including friends who also attend Inclusions East. He is especially close with former Team PEI 2024 curling teammate, Colton Matheson. Matthew and Colton still curl together.
Matthew's mother, Leanne Gallant, speaks highly of the benefits Special Olympics has provided Matthew.
Leanne shares that being more organized has helped Matthew in taking one more responsibilities. He is responsible, for example, for taking care of his swimming bag. Leanne also notices a big difference is how outgoing Matthew has become. He is expressing himself more, and expressing his needs more clearly.
If you would like to support athletes like Matthew, please consider Drafting an Athlete. The Team PEI Draft an Athlete program allows supporters of the Special Olympics movement to fund a Team PEI athlete’s journey to National Games.