Special Olympics P.E.I. recognizes Islanders
Athletes, volunteers honoured for their contributions
Special Olympics P.E.I. recognized athletes and volunteers with awards during a ceremony on Nov. 2 to celebrate Islanders with intellectual disabilities who enrich their lives and communities through sport.
Awards were given during the evening, starting with the Department of Health and Wellness Sport Volunteer Award given to Alberton’s George and Jackie Charchuk. The Charchuks won the award for their commitment to running Alberton bocce as volunteer leaders.
The Dr. Frank Hayden Award, named after the man whose research led to the establishment of the Special Olympics, went to Angie Phillips, who has been involved in five-pin bowling and the Wellness Champions programs for over five years.
Brandon Younker of Milton Station won the Chris Macpherson Spirit Award, and Motionball P.E.I. was awarded the President’s Award.
Facility of the year went to Belvedere Golf Club for being welcoming and offering technical support along with anything Special Olympics athletes need to feel at home.
Charlottetown’s Evelyn Maclure took home the David Andrew Memorial Award, which is presented to a caregiver who made significant contributions to the Special Olympics.
Troy Livingstone and Debbie Metcalfe took home the Maritime Electric Coaches of the Year Awards.
Janet Charchuk and Keegan Waite took home the P.E.I. Mutual Insurance Company Athlete of the Year Awards.
Volunteer pins were given to those who have contributed five, 15, 20 and 25 years of service to Special Olympics P.E.I.
This year, five-year pins were presented to Gie Rodgers, Aimee Webster, Kieran Goodwin, Nancy Macphee, Tracey Demeulenaere and Donna Maloney.
Estelle Smith was given a 15-year pin, and Ricky Burns, Carole-ann French and Dave Morrow were given 20-year gifts.
Janet Bradshaw was recognized with a pin for 25 years of volunteer service.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run also presented the LETR Member of the Year Award to Forest Spencer.
More information about the Special Olympics P.E.I. is available online at www.specialolympics.ca/pei.