Recognizing success
Annual luncheon raises funds for Island Special Olympics athletes
There’s no better feeling for Special Olympics athletes like Jeremy Wall than to see their hard work pay off. “It’s my dream. And it’s a real honour to play in the Games and get to represent P.E.I.,” said Wall, a 33-year-old Special Olympian.
There’s no better feeling for Special Olympics athletes like Jeremy Wall than to see their hard work pay off. “It’s my dream. And it’s a real honour to play in the Games and get to represent P.E.I.,” said Wall, a 33-year-old Special Olympian. He was recently named Special Olympics Male Athlete of the Year and claimed a couple medals at the Special Olympics Bowling Championships held on the Island in May. Wall, originally from Kensington but who now lives in Summerside, has participated in the Special Olympics for about 11 years. This summer, he will head to Antigonish, N.S. to compete in track and field events including the 500-metre, 3,000 m, 5,000 m, long jump and shot put. “This is my fifth national games. But this summer will probably be my favourite because we’re competing close to home and maybe even against friends and family. It’s really great.” On Tuesday, Credit Union Place in Summerside hosted the annual Special Olympics Luncheon, the first part of the organization’s largest fundraising push. Later, guests and athletes will gathered for the Enriching Lives gala dinner in Charlottetown. Along with Special Olympics athletes, community members, politicians and hockey players like Dion Phaneuf, Adam and Brett Gallant, Dave Cameron and Darryl Boyce showed their support for the organization. “In addition to helping raise about a third of our operational costs, it also gives us the opportunity to celebrate the year the athletes had, as well as raise awareness and educate guests about how important the Special Olympics are to our Island athletes,” said Charity Sheehan, the executive director of the provincial Special Olympics chapter. There are about 400 Special Olympics athletes on the Island with the organization responsible for running about 60 programs year-round. “One of the best parts of being involved with Special Olympics is sharing the stories and connecting athletes with other members in the community. “If you’re not really involved in the sporting world, it can be hard to make these connections, but through the games and events it brings everyone together.” Jenna Smith, 28, heard of the Special Olympics before she decided to try it for herself. “I don’t know why I waited so long. About seven years ago I finally joined. I started with golf, but I quickly realized it wasn’t my sport.” Now Smith bowls. And, like Wall, she brought home medals from the recent bowling championships. “I’m really proud of myself. I received two bronze and one silver medal. “I never thought I’d be able to play sports like this or have these opportunities.” Smith’s favourite part of competing is meeting new people. “You’re part of a real community. And you get to enjoy it by going to new placing and seeing new faces. Anyone considering becoming part of the Special Olympics should just do it. Don’t wait. It’s meant everything to me and I don’t know what I’d do without it.”