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2026-2026 Annual Award Winners

November 13, 2026
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    2025-2026 Award Winners & Citations

    Golisano Health Leadership Awards

    Krista Campbell & Nancy Fong

    The Golisano Health Leadership Award was established, in partnership with Special Olympics and the Golisano Foundation. This award is given to select individuals or organizations that are dedicated to improving the health of people with intellectual disabilities and advancing the health work of Special Olympics.

    Krista Campbell, started volunteering with Special Olympics Health initiatives in 2021, and completed the required training to become a Clinical Director virtually through Special Olympics International. We are very excited to have her involved with the inclusive health programming as the first Healthy Hearing CD in PEI, Krista has taken the lead on over 303 local athlete screenings, providing athletes with professional advice on prevention or reduced risk for their hearing and access to quality follow-up care. Athletes love Krista because she always takes time to listen to what they want to talk about and is creative in the ways makes a welcoming space. Krista was thrilled to learn back in 2021 that her professional skills set could benefit Special Olympics athletes. She once thought coaching experience or other sport skills were needed to get involved with Special Olympics but was excited to discover that this was not the case – and that her audiology skills where needed! We are so fortunate to have her involved.

    Nancy Fong, was trained in January 2021. Continuing an extensive career in sport nutrition, we are very excited to have her involved. Her work in Special Olympics goes beyond health screenings, working directly with many competitive sport teams, and leading a project that saw the creation of accessible workbooks. These workbooks complement nutrition sessions and improve the learning and retention of content. Health Promotion has been offered since we started providing screenings in 2015. Nancy and the strong team of volunteers continue to enhance the screening experience for athletes by engaging professionals across numerous fields, as well as family members. She is a 'little' competitive, and often outdoes herself by impacting more and more athletes each year!

    Facility of the Year Award

    Norton Diamond Indoor Turf

    The Facility of the Year is presented annually to a facility which opens their doors and hearts to allow Special Olympics PEI programs to call their facility home.

    The Norton Diamond Indoor turf facility has opened their doors to Special Olympics training and events for many years, but in 2025-26 there was extra demand for use of this amazing facility. Special Olympics has benefited from a positive working relationship with facility staff who help ensure a quality experience each time. This past year the facility hosted another successful event with our partners at motionball PEI. It is also the annual host to the PEISAA/SOPEI Unified Bocce Provincial Championships which host high schools from across PEI. Unified Bocce sees students with and without intellectual disability playing together in pursuit of winning the school sport championship banner – though everyone attending actually leaves with so much more. Then in 2025-26, Team PEI had many additional uses starting with the Provincial Bocce tournament, which served as the qualifying event for those attending the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games, then softball and soccer utilized weekly openings to enhance their preparation ahead of the 2026 Games. Special Olympics PEI is grateful for the accessibility of the Norton Diamond Indoor Turf and the investment staff make in the user experience incredible.

    Dr. Frank Hayden Award

    Joshua Smith

    This award is named in honor of Dr. Frank Hayden, who in the early sixties began searching for ways to establish a national sport program for individuals with an intellectual disability. His research eventually led to the development of the Special Olympics movement.

    Joshua has enjoyed many different SOPEI activities including Athletics, Bowling, Bocce, Multi-sport, and the Wellness Champions program. However, his most recent passion is for Basketball. He attends the Summerside basketball program, which impacts about 14 athletes each week. Through his dedication to sport, commitment to personal growth, and positive impact on those around him, Joshua has demonstrated the values that Dr. Frank Hayden championed throughout his life. His achievement is a testament not only to his hard work and determination but also to the inspiration he provides to fellow athletes, coaches, and the broader community. Through this commitment and dedication, he was recognized by coaches and peers as deserving of the Dr. Frank Hayden Award.

    David Andrew Memorial Award

    Jamie and Deborah Matheson

    This award was developed in memory of David Andrew, member who passed away in 2002, to honor some under recognized heroes within Special Olympics PEI; parents/guardians/caregivers. David Andrew was a shining example of many of our parents and guardians involved in Special Olympics PEI. He was always in the background, supporting his son Scott with all of his endeavors, helping with fund-raising and most of all, cheering his son on from the sidelines.

    Jamie and Deborah have supported their son Colton in many ways on and off the field of play. They have worked hard to ensure all their children benefit from sports and recreation activities along with having a deep connection to the broader community and modeling what this can look like. Whether it has been leadership opportunities, healthy athletes, fundraising, or sport both Jamie and Deborah have invested their time and skills to ensure many athletes have the opportunity to experience the impact; and a whole lot of fun along the way. There investments go beyond Special Olympics and support numerous organizations/services in eastern PEI. They are strong advocates and number-one fans! 

    Chris MacPherson Spirit Award presented by ADL

    Ben Matheson

    The Chris MacPherson Spirt Award presented by ADL is presented annually to a Special Olympics PEI athlete who brings out the best in their self, fellow athletes and coaches through commitment, determination and humour.

    Ben enjoys his Special Olympics PEI programs and seeing everyone participating. He always gives 100 percent in whatever sport he is involved with and has demonstrated personal growth and development. Uncertain if he was ready for the commitment to Team PEI 2026, Ben took on this challenge and has shown remarkable growth both as an athlete and as an individual. Like Chris MacPherson, Ben brings out the best in those around him through his enthusiasm, determination, and uplifting personality. Ben and his team topped off a season with many ups and downs to earn a bronze medal finish!

    LETR Members of the Year

    Bryan MacLean and Chrystle Wilson

    Bryan and Chrystle have exemplified what it means to be dedicated members of the Law Enforcement Torch Run family. Since first participating in a Polar Plunge in 2017, they have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the mission of LETR and to supporting Special Olympics athletes. Over the years, they have become familiar faces at LETR events, generously volunteering their time and energy to ensure activities are successful and safe. Whether assisting with logistics, helping behind the scenes, or actively participating in fundraising initiatives, they have consistently stepped forward whenever support was needed.

    Their commitment continued to grow, and in 2024 they accepted an even greater role by joining the LETR Committee. Since then, they have become active contributors, attending monthly meetings and helping to shape the future of the organization through their ideas, enthusiasm, and dedication. Their selfless service, reliability, and passion for the Law Enforcement Torch Run have earned the respect and appreciation of their fellow members. They truly embody the spirit of volunteerism, leadership, and commitment that this award is intended to recognize.

    Department of Fisheries, Rural Development, and Tourism Sport Volunteer of the Year Award.

    Katherine & Garry Corry

    The Department of Fisheries, Rural Development and Tourism Sport Volunteer of the Year Award is presented annually to a Special Olympics PEI sport volunteer who through their commitment to enriching the lives of Islanders with an intellectual disability through sport, has made a difference in their community.

    Katherine and Gary are dedicated volunteers who show enthusiasm and encouragement for athlete’s accomplishments.  Their journey to SOPEI was through an invite by an athlete to watch a floor hockey game. Their passion for volunteering in multiple organizations and initiatives, along with seeing the impact and need in SOPEI, had them wanting to come back again! Starting with one program, then another, then fundraising events, they quickly made a major impact. The athletes love seeing them both at the programs and sporting events. Katherine and Garry enjoy talking and listening to whatever the athlete wants to share. This dynamic duo are a great asset to our programs and continue to enrich the lives they connect with.

    President's Award

    Evangeline ATV Club

    The President’s Award acknowledges volunteers who have made a significant contribution to the Special Olympics movement locally, provincially and or nationally and has best exemplified the spirit, philosophy, and goals of Special Olympics PEI.

    2026 marks the 5th year of a partnership between Special Olympics PEI and the Evangeline ATV Club.  The Shed Raffle Draw fundraiser is an important fundraiser for both Special Olympics PEI and the Evangeline ATV Club. Special Olympics uses the funds to support grassroots sports programs in communities across the Island. Additionally, these funds support Athlete Leadership and inclusive health opportunities for our athletes. The Evangeline ATV Club uses their share of the funds to support trail maintenance and development. Funds raised are split evenly between the two organizations each year. The Shed Raffle fundraiser has raised over $135,000 for Special Olympics PEI since 2022!

    Maritime Electric Coaches of the Year

    Shayne Hogan & Taliena Howden

    The Maritime Electric Coaches of the Year awards are presented annually to two of Special Olympics PEI’s most outstanding coaches who through, their commitment to coaching, helped athletes reach their athletic pursuits.

    Shayne is the Head Coach of the Charlottetown Golf Program and, with the tremendous support from the remaining volunteer team and supportive facility, now has a waitlist of athletes annually.  Like many SO programs, the Charlottetown golf program has athletes with varying needs and levels of experience. One athlete shared they had never touched a club and are now talking in golf terms, playing the sport with family, and participated in high school golf. There are a couple of athletes who also participate in golf competitions. Shayne has been training and supporting Matthew Jehn in the caddy role for these major games. This journey has meant additional investment in coach education and many hours of preparation for competition. Matthew saw numerous personal-best scores, as well as personal growth, in the last year and topped off their 2026 Summer Games experience on top of the podium!

    Taliena’s dedication goes beyond what is expected. Her endearing approach to all the athletes and their individual needs makes a unique and lasting connection with each athlete. A few years back Taliena became involved with the SO Aquatics in Charlottetown as a volunteer for the program.  Even though she lives in the eastern end of the island, she makes that weekly trek to Charlottetown to help out with the program.  It wasn't long before her dedication deepened by taking the necessary courses to become a coach. The athletes quickly embraced her and her coaching techniques. Athletes grew with her help both at the pool and in their personal lives.  She works extremely well with the other coaches and is very willing to learn as much as she can.  This past summer she attended the SOC Summer Games in Medicine Hat as the Swim coach.  The 3 athletes on the team did extremely well and all brought home to PEI numerous medals and personal best times. Taliena is a wonderful example of a coach doing whatever needs to be done to help her athletes succeed.  

    PEI Mutual Insurance Company Athletes of the Year

    Tyson Brown & Audrey Mitchell

    The PEI Mutual Insurance Athletes of the Year awards are presented annually to two Special Olympics PEI athletes for the most outstanding athletic performance at a Provincial, National or International Competition.

    Tyson exemplifies the dedication, determination, and sportsmanship that define the spirit of Special Olympics. Invited to join Special Olympics PEI by his teammate Shawn Mitchell just three years ago, Tyson quickly embraced the opportunity and has made remarkable strides as an athlete. After only two years in the soccer program, he developed into one of Charlottetown's strongest players, representing PEI at the National Summer Games in Medicine Hat, where he played nearly every minute of the tournament and emerged as the team's leading goal scorer. Known for his love of striking the ball, tireless work ethic, and willingness to learn, Tyson gives his all every time he steps onto the field. He leads by example through his positive attitude, respect for teammates and opponents, and commitment to continuous improvement. Whether asking questions to better understand a skill, encouraging those around him, or proudly high-fiving opposing players and coaches, Tyson demonstrates exceptional character both on and off the field. His athletic ability, leadership, perseverance, and teamwork make him an outstanding ambassador for Special Olympics PEI and a truly deserving recipient of the Athlete of the Year Award.

    Audrey embodies the very best of the Special Olympics movement through her dedication, leadership, sportsmanship, and commitment to helping others succeed. First introduced to Special Olympics through school programs in powerlifting and Unified Bocce, Audrey continued her journey after graduating from Bluefield High School by joining community programs with Special Olympics PEI. Growing up in a softball family, with her sisters competing at the provincial level and her father coaching, she naturally gravitated toward the sport and quickly emerged as a leader among her teammates. Audrey's hard work and perseverance have fueled remarkable athletic growth, culminating in a bronze medal as a member of Team PEI Softball at the National Summer Games in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Beyond her athletic achievements, Audrey is a confident and respected role model whose positive attitude, kindness, and encouragement inspire everyone around her. Whether celebrating the success of a teammate, taking on new challenges, or representing Special Olympics PEI as an ambassador for inclusion, she consistently demonstrates maturity, respect, and grace. Her unwavering dedication both on and off the field makes her an outstanding athlete, teammate, and leader, and a truly deserving recipient of the Special Olympics PEI Athlete of the Year Award.

    Volunteer Pins 

    Volunteer Pins were presented to those who have contributed 5, 10, 15, 25 and 40 years of service:

    • 5 Years - Susan Bordage, Nancy Fong, Jessica Godfrey, and Charlie Koughan

    • 10 Years - Kaylee Doiron, Allan Gillis, and Dave MacNearney

    • 15 Years - Lynda Hontscharowicz

    • 25 Years - Janet Higgins, Debbie Metcalfe, and Betty Anne Morrison

    • 40 Years - Peter Howatt