Earlier this week Special Olympics PEI hosted a hybrid Annual Awards. A limited number of guests gathered, safely, in person, while additional supporters tuned in virtually, for Special Olympics PEI’s 2020-2021 Annual Awards. Together we celebrated another successful year of enriching the lives of Islanders with an intellectual disability through sport.
2020-2021 Award Winners & Citations:
Department of Health and Wellness Sport Volunteer Award
Donna Campbell (O’Leary)
The Department of Health and Wellness 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.
Donna has been volunteering for 17 years in several important roles. She is currently fulfilling the Training Coach role for CJ Synders-Couchman, who is preparing for the 2022 Special Olympics World Winter Games, which will occur in Winter 2023 due to Covid delays. This marks Donna’s third consecutive cycle in the Training Coach role for Athletes in West Prince. Donna is a very organized person who delivers programs that are athlete centered. She is always willing to learn or collaborate more with other experts and is not shy to try something new. Her commitment to ensuring quality training opportunities for athletes supports them and their families to succeed at their major events. This year has been unique as the Games will extend two extra seasons to ensure the safety of everyone. Islanders and those who connect with the Team Canada training squad recognize the commitment it takes for any team member and thank you for choosing to enrich lives in your role.
Dr. Frank Hayden Award
Kelsey McCormack (Montague)
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. This award is presented annually to a Special Olympics PEI athlete who has shown commitment to training and the determination to succeed at the grass-roots level.
Kelsey is a grassroots athlete who participates in the Montague Wellness Champions, Swimming, and Golf programs. She is a joy to have in the program, making everyone feel appreciated by her great smile and thankful heart. She encourages those around her and truly shows the spirit of Special Olympics. She has participated for about seven years and looks to be involved for many years to come. Through this commitment and dedication, she was recognized by her coaches and peers as deserving of the Dr. Frank Hayden Award.
ADL Spirit Award
Amber Metcalfe (York)
The ADL Spirt Award 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.
Amber has been involved with Special Olympics for 22 years. Amber rarely misses a practice and always looks forward to going and participating. She is always willing to give anything a try and, given the opportunity, she will succeed. Amber is happy to see other athletes succeed and can be heard cheering from the sidelines when not playing. This past year she wrote a promise to herself to work hard to come back after some medical setbacks so she could return to play as soon as possible. Amber has had three significant medical challenges she has overcome in the past year. Each one could have sidelined her for longer, but showing great spirit, she worked hard after each one to get back to her sports. She even attended practices, even though she was not participating, to cheer from the sidelines. As soon as she was given the go-ahead, she got back in the pool and the gym. As she recovered, she took on the challenge of becoming a Wellness Champion and is so proud of her achievement.
President’s Award
PEI Automobile Dealers Association
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.
PEIADA began supporting Special Olympics in 1987, following the lead of its national body, the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA). Thirty-four years, and over $247,000 later PEIADA still exclusively supports Special Olympics PEI as its charity of choice. During PEIADA’s annual Campaign, a cash portion is donated for every new vehicle sold/leased in April, along with proceeds from the live auction during the annual Golf tournament. Given the COVID-19 situation, the PEIADA Executive has not been able to host these initiatives, but despite these setbacks, the PEIADA still prioritized giving to Special Olympics PEI. PEIADA is a long time Platinum Partner and, more importantly, cherished friends of Special Olympics PEI.
Facility of the Year
Elm Street Elementary School (Summerside)
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.
Elm Street Elementary has hosted the Summerside Basketball program, which is starting the fourth season. Elm Street Elementary has opened its doors to the Summerside Basketball Program despite overwhelming requests to access the space. They have reserved space for this program to ensure programming continues and staff at the school are always accommodating. Whether they are setting up the basketball program or custodial staff are accommodating our needs, they are always going above and beyond to support the program. The school has a community focus, prioritizes inclusive access, and uses its facility to give back to the community. Leadership believes strongly in providing opportunities to enrich the lives of Special Olympic athletes.
David Andrew Memorial Award
leah Watts (Pleasant Grove)
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. Special Olympics PEI makes this award available for annual presentation to a Parent/Guardian/Caregiver who has made a significant contribution to the Special Olympics movement locally and/or provincially, and has best exemplified the spirit, philosophy and goals of Special Olympics PEI.
Leah Watts, and her husband George, are parents whose dedication to their son, Jonathon Watts, overflows to the Special Olympic movement and all athletes. Jonathan is a dedicated 5-Pin Bowling athlete. Over the years, they have rarely missed a competition that he has been involved in. Not only are they there for Jonathon, but they are there for the whole team cheering and being happy for everyone’s accomplishments. Leah volunteers at the Charlottetown 5-Pin Bowling program, manages payments and registration weekly and helped significantly during training preparations for Team PEI 2020. Leah is always willing to help, kind, understanding, and accountable.
Maritime Electric Male Coach of the Year Award
Allan Gillis (Summerside)
The Maritime Electric Male Coach of the Year award is presented annually to Special Olympics PEI’s most outstanding Male coach who through, their commitment to coaching, helped athletes reach their athletic pursuits.
Allan has been involved with SOPEI for five years and is a part of a strong family tradition of volunteering. Allan decided to become a volunteer coach knowing how much his wife loved her involvement in Special Olympics. He figured it was a great way to spend more time with her and his family, given the commitment they have all made to athletes in the Summerside area. Alan has been the head coach for basketball, assistant coach for bocce and 5-pin bowling, and numerous fundraising events. His Commitment to the growth of the Summerside basketball program has helped the sport grow on PEI, and we may see representation at future major games because of this grassroots development. Inclusive of all athletes, Allan always goes above expectations to ensure that athletes can participate by coordinating rides and assisting in events.
Maritime Electric Female Coach of the Year Award
Tracey Demeulenaere (Village Green)
The Maritime Electric Female Coach of the Year award is presented annually to Special Olympics PEI’s most outstanding Female coach who through, their commitment to coaching, helped athletes reach their athletic pursuits.
Tracey is Charlottetown Active Start’s Head Coach and started the role in the fall of 2017. Her whole family is actually very involved, each fulfilling key roles. Her involvement began when Kelsey, her daughter, was in the Active Start program, and the program was seeing a transition in volunteers. Tracey and her family have been very open about sharing their story to help others new to the journey of having a child with an intellectual disability. Their efforts extend beyond program with a commitment to fundraising for the programs and services offered across the Island. Tracey volunteers with the Healthy Athletes Special Smiles and Health Promotion screenings, sharing her background and expertise as a dental hygienist. Tracey is very organized and a great communicator. This program has a wide range of ages and abilities. Tracey has found a good balance in fun activities to keep the program fun and engaging for participants to practice and learn fundamental movement skills in an inclusive environment.
PEI Mutual Insurance Company Male Athlete of the Year Award
Shawn Mitchell (Charlottetown)
The PEI Mutual Insurance Male Athlete of the Year award is presented annually to a Special Olympics PEI athlete for the most outstanding athletic performance at a Provincial, National or International Competition.
Shawn is involved with Competitive Floor Hockey, Competitive Soccer, and the Community sports program in Charlottetown. Shawn loves participating in Special Olympics. He enjoys the whole aspect of being an athlete and all the benefits of his involvement with the Special Olympics. His determination to improve himself and his abilities show through his accomplishments over the years. Shawn rarely misses a practice and enjoys taking part in them. No matter what the sport is, he always gives 100 percent. Shawn enjoys being involved with everyone and shows support for his fellow teammates. Shawn has been involved with Special Olympics for a long time now. He had attended the National Games for Floor Hockey, Softball, and Soccer. He participated at the World Games as part of the Softball team, where they took home a silver medal. In each sport, he has added greatly to the team achieving success in each game.
PEI Mutual Insurance Company Female Athlete of the Year Award
Lisa Bernard (Stratford)
The PEI Mutual Insurance Female Athlete of the Year award is presented annually to a Special Olympics PEI athlete for the most outstanding athletic performance at a Provincial, National or International Competition.
Lisa is over a year off from her first Special Olympics Canada Winter Games and second national games, where she helped Team PEI Floor Hockey to win a Gold Medal! Her effort and determination did not stop there. While the world went into a pandemic, and group homes went into additional safety measures, Lisa chose to focus on the positives and undertake a new challenge to become PEI’s first Wellness Champion. This program offers virtual options where athletes undertake tasks with others or on their own and gain points towards one of the four areas that provide a holistic approach to wellness. Once all four areas are achieved, athletes are awarded the completed Wellness Champion Medal. Lisa is a joy to be around, and she loves participating in Special Olympics. No matter what the sport is, she always gives 100 percent. She is a very strong athlete and has put a lot of attention into her health over the last few years, knowing that it is important to her success as an athlete and in life. Lisa genuinely loves being a Special Olympics Athlete.
Volunteer Pins
Volunteer Pins were presented to those who have contributed 5, 10, 20 and 35 years of service.
5-Year Pins
Kaylee Doiron, Allan Gillis, and Dave MacNearney
10-Year Pin
Lynda Hontscharowicz
20-Year Gifts
Janet Higgins, Debbie Metcalfe, and Betty Anne Morrison
35-Year Gift
Peter Howatt
Peter Howatt is a past Special Olympics PEI and Special Olympics Canada Board Member, and has volunteered his time on numerous committees. Peter has been a volunteer coach in Soccer and Floor Hockey. Peter has attended countless provincial or inter-provincial competition and 11 Special Olympics Canada national competitions. One of his greatest memories was when PEI hosted the SOC Winter Games in 2004 and the Floor Hockey team won Gold on home soil.
LETR Member of the Year Award
Additionally, the Law Enforcement Torch Run presented the LETR Member of the Year Award.
Jodi Harper
Jodi Harper has been a committed member of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for 10 years. Jodi’s commitment to both the Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics PEI have not gone unnoticed. Always quick to volunteer or lend a hand, you can often find Jodi volunteering to set up, take photos, or really help in any way she can.
In 2011 Jodi had the opportunity to represent not only the PEI Law Enforcement Torch Run, but also the LETR movement in Canada, when she participated in the Final Leg in Greece ahead of the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Greece.
While Jodi’s commitments and contributions to Law Enforcement Torch Run here in PEI have been numerous, her legacy has been the introduction of the Polar Plunge fundraiser. Inspired from learnings at an LETR International Conference, Jodi brought the idea for the Polar Plunge back to the PEI LETR committee. In 2013 the first Polar Plunge was held on the North Shore beaches of PEI, raising $11,000 for Special Olympics PEI. Over the last 9 years the Polar Plunge has grown, raising just under $30,000 in 2021. All together, over the last 9 years, Polar Plunge events have raised over $175,000 for Special Olympics PEI.
Jodi is also a passionate volunteer coach. Well loved and respected by her athletes and fellow volunteers, Jodi has been volunteering at Special Olympics programs for 18 years. The current Head Coach of the Charlottetown Athletics program, Jodi has also volunteered with the Charlottetown Swimming program in the past. Jodi has supported athletes from the grass-roots level through to National Games.
Jodi Harper, a true champion of the Special Olympics movement, is this year’s Law Enforcement Torch Run’s Member of the Year. Congratulations.
