Cameron Gordon
How many years have you been involved with Special Olympics?
I have been a Special Olympics athlete for 11 years.
Why did you first get involved with Special Olympics and how has it changed your life?
My junior high school PE teacher suggested I try Powerlifting, I did and I loved it and I came to Special Olympics to see if they could help me develop in the sport. It changed my life in a million ways! I am physically very strong, but also mentally I am extremely disciplined and dedicated, because of this I have inspired many other people to believe in themselves, work hard and go after their goals. I love being a powerlifter with Special Olympics and now I hope that I can inspire other young Special Olympic athletes to believe in themselves! That’s what makes my heart happy.
What is a challenge or barrier that you have overcome?
A big challenge that I have overcome is that when I was a teenager in high school I became sad and mad that I have Down syndrome, I started to see the difference between me and my peers, and I would compare myself. I wanted to quit Special Olympics, because I didn’t want to be around people like me. My mom told me that God put me on this earth with incredible gifts and a very special purpose, and that my strength and determination could help other young people like me to believe in themselves and to be successful. She said I was born leader, and that I could help and inspire other young people to become powerlifters with Special Olympics. She said, imagine what that would mean to a young boy or girl? That made me proud so I decided to stay in Special Olympics. I am now a camp counsellor at a camp for people with intellectual disabilities, I work with kids. I love them and they love me. The first day when mom picked me up at my new job, I told her I found my career! Special Olympics helped me do that.
What other sports do you participate in?
I also participate in Snowshoe and Athletics.
What has participating in Special Olympics taught you?
It has taught me to believe in myself. It has taught me to be proud of myself. It has reminded me of the gifts God gave me that help me inspire other people. It has reminded me that having a disability does not mean I need help from others, but that I am here to help others too.
What are you most looking forward to at the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games?
I am looking forward travelling with Team PEI by myself without my family! I am also looking forward to meeting other athletes and I hope that that my cousin from Calgary will come watch me.
What is your favourite Special Olympics moment?
My favourite Special Olympics moments were winning gold medals in Powerlifting in St. John’s and Vancouver. Winning a gold medal at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games 2020 in Thunder Bay and dancing in the snow with my mom.
What does being a part of Team PEI 2026 mean to you?
Being part of Team PEI makes me proud, I know I am lucky to be representing PEI, but I also know I worked really hard to get here and deserve this spot. I can’t wait to make PEI proud and to show Canada how awesome we are!