April 1, 2010 - A Night of Celebration - Special Olympics PEI Athletes, Volunteers and Supporters Receive Awards - Athletes, sponsors, friends, volunteers and supporters of Special Olympics PEI gathered at the Loyalist Lakeview Resort in Summerside on Thursday evening to recognize and reward the efforts and achievements of athletes and the dedication of volunteers.

The Special Olympics PEI Awards Presentation is held annually to celebrate the many accomplishments of Special Olympic athletes and volunteers for the previous program year. Co-Emcees, Corey Tremere of Ocean 100 and Janet Charchuk, a PEI Special Olympics athlete, also recognized and thanked those who have helped Special Olympics throughout the year.

A special tribute to Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the founder of the Special Olympics movement ended the Awards presentation for the evening and the nominees and winners were escorted from the room by a color guard formed by the PEI Law Enforcement Torch Run committee, proud sponsors of Special Olympics. The evening’s celebrations were capped off by a victory dance.

Special Olympics PEI is a charitable organization dedicated to enriching the lives of Islanders with an intellectual disability through sport. SOPEI began in 1982, with the focus on inclusion. Today, SOPEI offers over 40 summer and winter programs to more than 350 Islanders with an intellectual disability. Programs are available to those as young as 2 years of age and adult programs in community sport are open to Islanders up to 80. Athletes can participate in either community or competitive sport streams and have the opportunity to train year-round and compete at games held provincially, nationally, and internationally.

The Awards presented were:
PEI Mutual Insurance Company Female Athlete of the Year – presented to Amie Sullivan – Lower Montague – (Swimming)

EASTLINK Advertising Male Athlete of the Year – presented to Kolton Doucette – Summerside - (Powerlifting)

Maritime Electric Female Coach of the Year – presented to Amanda Peters of Souris –
(5-pin Bowling, Athletics, Soccer)

Maritime Electric Male Coach of the Year – presented to Dave Morrow of Covehead –
(5-Pin Bowling)

Facility of the Year Award – awarded to Montague Intermediate School, Kings County

David Andrew Memorial Award (A parent/guardian who has made a significant contribution to the Special Olympics movement locally, provincially, and/or nationally, and has exemplified the spirit, philosophy, and goals of SOPEI) – presented to Allan Stewart of Hunter River.

Sport Volunteer of the Year Award (Awarded to a volunteer who through their commitment to enriching the lives of Islanders with an Intellectual Disability through sport, has made a difference in their Community) – This year’s honor was a three way tie and went to –
Terry Nabuurs of Montague; Kyle MacKenzie of Montague; and Mitchell Visser of Montague.

President’s Award (Awarded to a volunteer who has made a significant contribution to the Special Olympics movement locally, provincially, and/or nationally, and has exemplified the spirit, philosophy, and goals of SOPEI) – was awarded to Gerry Lanigan of Stratford for his efforts as Volunteer Treasurer in 2009.

Dr. Frank Hayden Award (Awarded to an athlete who has shown commitment to training and the determination to succeed at a grassroots level) – presented to Shane MacPhee of Charlottetown – (Curling).

Spirit Award (Awarded to an athlete who brings out the best in themselves and their teammates and coaches through commitment, determination and humour) – presented to Gwen Gallant of O’Leary – (Swimming).

The following volunteers were also presented with 5 years of Service pins:

Sue Skeffington	Jack Perry	John Clow
Garth Perry	Allan Stewart	Steve Loggie
Susan Gordon	Judy Gallant	Meaghan MacKie

10 years of Service pins:
Richard Douillette	Karen Reeves	Marion Weeks

15 years of Service pin:
Shelley Gaudet

If you would like more information on this event or other SOPEI programs, please contact Valerie Downe, Executive Director at 368-8919 or via e-mail at vdowne@sopei.com

2009 Annual Awards