Meet Athlete Ambassador, Gabe Hunt | Empire Family of Brands Fundraising Campaign 2026
For 13-year-old Gabe Hunt, Special Olympics is all about having fun, trying new activities and making new friends.
A proud Special Olympics PEI athlete from Kensington, Gabe currently participates in bowling and has also explored gymnastics, swimming, and multisport programming — experiences that have helped him build confidence, friendships and a strong sense of belonging.
“I get to make new friends and have fun!” Gabe says about being a Special Olympics athlete.
Special Olympics has long been part of Gabe’s family story. His mother, Conni, grew up watching the impact the movement had on her younger brother, who was also a Special Olympics athlete. When Gabe became old enough to join programming himself, she already understood the opportunities and connections the organization could provide.
Gabe first joined Special Olympics through a gymnastics partnership program with Saultos in 2019. Since then, his family has watched his self-confidence and social skills continue to grow through sport and community connection.
“Being a part of the team has helped his social skills and self confidence,” Conni says.
Among Gabe’s favourite experiences so far has been participating in the Learn to Swim program, where the relationships he built with coaches and volunteers left a lasting impression on both him and his family.
“All the coaches and volunteers that have worked with Gabe have been incredible, but the bond with Abby and Emma was something else,” Conni says.
When asked to describe Gabe’s personal best, though, his family points not to a medal or competition result — but to the way he makes people feel.
“Gabe’s sense of humour is his personal best,” Conni says. “He can crack people up, make friends with anyone, and can give a hug that could melt away any stress or worry.”
That spirit of belonging and connection is at the heart of this year’s Empire Family of Brands in-store fundraising campaign and its message: “Every best is personal.”
For Gabe, the meaning is simple:
“Always do your best.”
For his family, it is also a reminder that every athlete deserves the opportunity to participate, grow, and belong — regardless of ability or financial circumstance.
“Donations ensure that the programming can continue to be offered, regardless of level of athleticism or income,” Conni says. “A toonie can go a long way when there’s a whole village donating!”
And while Special Olympics has helped Gabe grow in confidence and friendships, his family says the organization has also helped create the kind of childhood experiences every young person deserves.
That sense of inclusion is why Gabe’s family believes sport and community opportunities matter so deeply for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
From June 11 to 21, customers visiting participating Empire Family of Brands stores across Canada can donate $2 at checkout to help support Special Olympics athletes like Gabe — helping create more opportunities for children, youth, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to experience sport, friendship, confidence, and community.
And for families considering getting involved with Special Olympics, Gabe’s family has one clear message:
You can support Special Olympics athletes like Gabe by making a donation this June 11 to 21 at participating Empire Family of Brands stores including: Sobeys, Safeway, Ontario Foodland, Atlantic Foodland and participating CO-OPs, IGA West, Thrifty Foods, Lawtons Drugs and Needs Convenience stores.
Learn more: www.specialolympics.ca/Empire
