Meet Team PEI Leaders, Matthew McNally & Genna Phelan
Team PEI 2026 is heading to the Special Olympics Canada Games under the experienced leadership of Chef de Mission, Matthew McNally and Team Manager, Genna Phelan. Both veterans members of the Special Olympics PEI staff team, Matthew and Genna both bring a wealth of personal and professional knowledge to their respective roles. It's safe to say that Team PEI 2026 is in good hands at Games!
Matthew McNally has been Special Olympics PEI's Program Director for 11 years, and is leading Team PEI 2026 as Chef de Mission for the 5th time. Matthew joined Special Olympics because of this love of sport, however his connection to the movement extends beyond sport. Matthew's daughter, Norah, has an intellectual disability and is a Special Olympics athlete, participating in Rhythmic Gymnastics, Golf and Cross Country Ski.
What I love about Matthew's leadership style is that he leads with integrity, trust, and respect. He empowers people to do their best by listening, encouraging collaboration, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued. His positive attitude and authenticity inspire others to give their best.
Genna Phelan has been Special Olympics PEI's Manager - Sport & Competitions for 14 years and first got connected back in 2004 when the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games were hosted in PEI. A graduate from Holland College's Sport & Leisure Management program, Genna volunteered at those Games as a course requirement. Seven years later Genna found her way back to Special Olympics, and has been on the staff team ever since.
One of Genna's greatest strengths is her ability to focus on the details that elevate the quality of the athlete and team experience. Whether it's planning, logistics, athlete supports, or team activities, she consistently ensures that things are done to a very high standard. She also brings an immense amount of knowledge and experience from her sport experiences at the local, provincial, national, and international levels.
Both Matthew and Genna are excited to support Team PEI 2026 at the Special Olympics Canada Games.
What excites me most is seeing this group reach the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games after years of preparation and watching them realize what they are capable of achieving. Competition is certainly part of the experience, but it is also about personal growth, building confidence, creating lifelong connections, and representing Prince Edward Island with pride. Every athlete on this team has worked incredibly hard to earn their place, and I am excited to see them showcase not only their athletic abilities but also the determination, sportsmanship, and resilience.
Team PEI 2026 is the largest team Special Olympics PEI has ever sent to a Special Olympics Canada Games. With the addition of a Basketball team, for the first time ever, Team PEI 2026 is made up of 46 athletes. These athletes are coming together from O'Leary to Montague, and have worked hard over the last few years to not only prepare to compete, but to also form a unified team.
Something I'm proud of is the team unity. The full team has embraced the idea that they are representing something bigger than themselves, they are representing Team PEI together. They so excited and proud of each other successes and celebrate one another.
Team PEI 2026 is also unique thanks to some enhancements from previous Games experiences, including to the way the team trains and communicates. To be as best prepared as possible, Team PEI 2026 has had more competitive opportunities then ever before. Additionally, enhancements have been made to mental performance training, nutritional education, strength and conditioning resources, and greater opportunities to connect across sports.
What has surprised me most about this team is how they have responded to adversity and how willing people have been to step forward to support their journey. Like many teams, there have been challenges along the way: injuries, setbacks, and personal obstacles. What has also been remarkable is the level of support they have received from coaches who have generously shared their time and expertise with the team. Their leadership has enhanced the team's development, but just as importantly, it has reinforced the message that the entire community is invested in the success and well-being of our athletes.
While Team PEI 2026 has experienced it's fair share of adversity, the athletes have trained hard, and the coaches and mission staff have been their supporting them every step of the way. In addition to the leadership of Matthew and Genna, Team PEI 2026 is fortunate to have a strong group of coaches and mission staff, a group of individuals to not only help with sport-specific training, but also in building confidence, independence and life skills.
As Team PEI makes their final preparations for the Special Olympics Canada Games, please join us in thanking Matthew and Genna for their dedication to Team PEI 2026, and to the Special Olympics movement here in PEI!