When we say that getting involved in Special Olympics is a lifetime commitment, we are serious :)
You will often hear us referring to SOPEI as being a family, and part of the reason for this is because we have many long-time volunteers in our 33 years of SOPEI (over18 with more than 15 years experience - but that is for another story) and 4 of those Coaches with over 20 years, so yes we consider them family!
We value the expertise, experience and dedication of all our volunteer coaches and know that coach development is an important part of the continued growth of Special Olympics PEI. All our coaches receive free educational opportunities and some mandatory Special Olympic specific coaches training through the National Coaching Certification Program NCCP
CY Holland
CY has been around long since before SOPEI was officially established. Joining the movement in 1983, he is Special Olympic PEI's longest serving volunteer coach.
Through his job as an educational assistant he has encouraged many of his students to try Special Olympics, leading to the phenomenal growth of the Charlottetown Floor Hockey program. As Head Coach of the Floor Hockey, CY is well respected by athletes in the program. CY has traveled to numerous National Games, as both coaching and mission staff roles.
Peter Howatt
Peter joined Special Olympics in 1986 and has been an integral part of the SOPEI family with roles in Charlottetown coaching Floor Hockey and previously Soccer along with being an Operational Volunteer.
Peter not only dedicated his time to the community that surrounds him, but assisted in the growth of Special Olympics throughout the entire Island. We know that he does not want a lot of credit as he, like many of our volunteers, is very humble.
Serving a variety of coaching and leadership roles in our organization, he has helped the SOPEI team bring us to the point where we can provide opportunities never dreamed of, that are available to athletes Island wide today!
He takes great pride in every aspect of assisting athletes to become skilled in competitive sport while always ensuring they are having fun and enjoying what they do. Athletes under his leadership share the same passion and love for sport as him and look to Peter as a role model in their lives. He is a very proud father and husband, someone who you can always be encouraged by being around and someone who is loyal to friendships he has created.
Sarah Paynter
Sarah joined Special Olympics PEI in 1995 and has been involved with the swimming program along with fundraising initiatives.
This amazing individual has helped develop the SOPEI swimming program in her community and throughout the province. She has been a member of the National Mentorship program and has attended many competitions at all levels.
Her own son, Roy, has had the opportunity to be instructed in her programs and compete and medal in the World Games under her leadership. Sarah shows the same passion and love for each athlete she coaches.
Janet Bradshaw
Janet started volunteering with Special Olympics in 1997. She coaches the Summerside Athletics, Soccer and Snowshoe programs and is an active member of the Prince County Parents Fundraising group.
Janet has not only dedicated her time to the community that surrounds her, and as an ambassador within her school, she has assisted in the growth of Special Olympics throughout the surrounding area.
Serving a variety of coaching and leadership roles in our organization, she has helped enrich the lives of many athletes throughout her years of service. She takes great pride in every aspect of assisting athletes to become skilled in competitive sport while always ensuring the athletes are having FUN. Athletes under her leadership share the same passion and love for sport.
Thank you all for your many years of dedication to the Special Olympics Movement across PEI. For enriching the lives of so many Island athletes and for being part of the SOPEI family.
