Meet the Finalists for the 2026 National Awards Night

November 05, 2026
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    Donna Carbell, Gail Hamamoto, Janie McGraw and Lindsay Hamilton at the TSN studio filing the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Awards Night.
    Donna Carbell, Gail Hamamoto, Janie McGraw and Lindsay Hamilton at the TSN studio filing the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Awards Night.

    Every year, we come together to celebrate the heart and soul of Special Olympics Canada—our extraordinary athletes, dedicated coaches, and selfless volunteers from coast to coast to coast. These champions exemplify the true spirit of inclusion, determination, excellence and sportsmanship that defines our movement.

    The 2026 Special Olympics Canada Awards Night will be co-hosted by TSN’s Lindsay Hamilton and Special Olympics athlete Janie McGraw! Together, they’ll lead us through an unforgettable evening celebrating the achievements and impact of our incredible community.

    We’ll also be joined by some special guests, including TSN’s Jesse Pollock, Jermain Franklin, Marissa Roberto, Raegan Subban and Jennifer Hedger.

    Join us as we celebrate our Athletes of the Year, Coaches of the Year, Team of the Year and so much more!

    Meet the Finalists 

    Jim Thompson Volunteer of the Year Award

    • Connie Biro

      Special Olympics Alberta
    • Jenny Tyler

      Special Olympics Nova Scotia
    • Lee Chic

      Special Olympics British Columbia
    • Samantha Damiani

      Special Olympics Ontario

    Coach of the Year Award

    • Amanda Dobler

      Special Olympics Alberta
    • Blain Fuller

      Special Olympics Alberta
    • Danielle Piperno

      Olympiques Speciaux Québec
    • Danny Ouelette

      Special Olympics Ontario
    • Donna White

      Special Olympics Nova Scotia
    • Saige Beaumont

      Special Olympics British Columbia

    Rising Star Coach of the Year Award

    • Abigail Vivian

      Special Olympics Nova Scotia
    • Ally Cleary

      Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador
    • Garreth Morgan

      Special Olympics Ontario

    Frank Selke Jr. Fundraising Volunteer of the Year Award

    • Éric-Olivier Savoie & Florence Arnould-Lalonde

      Olympiques Speciaux Québec
    • Liz Smashnuk

      Special Olympics Alberta
    • Todd Watson

      Special Olympics Nova Scotia

    Athlete Community Excellence Award

    • Brett Griffiths

      Special Olympics Manitoba
    • Coralie Desbiens

      Olympiques Speciaux Québec
    • Dylan Balmaceda

      Special Olympics Nova Scotia
    • Melissa Strowbridge

      Special Olympics Alberta

    Team of the Year Award

    • Almaguin Legion 405

      Special Olympics Ontario
    • Gander Eagles

      Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador
    • Koalas

      Special Olympics Alberta
    • Sackville Bedford Bravehearts

      Special Olympics Nova Scotia

    Athlete of the Year Award

    • Brock Jesse

      Special Olympics Alberta
    • Cory Duhaime

      Special Olympics British Columbia
    • Donald Kendall

      Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador
    • Floressa Harris

      Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador
    • Jaclyn Zimmerman

      Special Olympics Alberta
    • Lisa Perry

      Special Olympics British Columbia
    • Olivier Martel

      Olympiques Speciaux Québec
    • Yanhong Dewan

      Special Olympics Ontario