Braden Gaudet

How many years have you been involved with Special Olympics?

I have been a Special Olympics athlete for 9 years.  

Why did you first get involved with Special Olympics and how has it changed your life?

I got involved for the first time when my teacher, Mrs. Gillis (Team PEI Mission Staff Fran Gillis) told me and my mom about it. It’s changed my life by giving me so many opportunities to meet new people and try new things.

What is a challenge or barrier that you have overcome?

A challenge I have overcome is meeting new people and keeping my activity level up.

What other sports do you participate in?

I also participated in Bocce and Bowling in the past, but basketball has been my main focus the last couple of years.

What has participating in Special Olympics taught you?

Participating in Special Olympics has taught me that winning isn’t the most important thing! It’s about having fun and doing your very best.

What are you most looking forward to at the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games?

I'm looking forward to seeing a part of Canada that I have never been to and playing on a larger scale at National Games compared to Provincial Summer Games

What is your favourite Special Olympics moment?

My favourite Special Olympics moment was winning Gold with Team PEI Basketball at our very first Provincial summer Games in Antigonish, Nova Scotia!

What does being a part of Team PEI 2026 mean to you?

It means my hard work is paying off and that you really can do anything you put your mind to!