Statement by Minister Bell on Special Olympics

Minister of Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture, Zack Bell issued the following statement on Special Olympics: 

“Competing at the Special Olympics World Winter Games is a monumental achievement that highlights athletic talent and dedication.

I’d like to extend a huge congratulations and wish the best of luck to Callum McEwen, Ellen MacNearney, and    Tommy Ling, who are representing PEI and Team Canada, as they depart to compete at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy. 

These athletes have demonstrated a level of passion and commitment that deserves to be celebrated on the world stage. Their dedication and outstanding achievements are an inspiration to us all and we are proud to support them on this exciting journey.

I would also like to recognize Charity Sheehan, Genna Phelan, and Sarah Profitt-Wagner for their vital roles as part of the leadership team. Their hard work behind the scenes ensures that athletes are well-prepared and have every opportunity to succeed. 

This marks an incredible opportunity to showcase not only the remarkable talents of Island athletes but also the incredible force of the Special Olympics community – one that represents strength, unity, and inclusion. 

On behalf of all Islanders, we wish these athletes the very best of luck. We will be watching and cheering proudly!”
 

Media contact:
Marla Morrison
Department of Fisheries, Tourism, Sport & Culture
marlamorrison@gov.pe.ca

Backgrounder

About the PEI athletes and leadership team 

•  Charlottetown’s Callum McEwan will compete as a member of Special Olympics Team Canada’s figure skating team. He has been a Special Olympics athlete for seven years. The Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin will be his first World Games.
• Charlottetown’s Tommy Ling has been a Special Olympics athlete for ten years. Tommy is a seasoned skier, having competed at five National Games. He competed in the 2012, 2016, 2020 and 2024 Winter Games in the sport of cross-country skiing, and the 2018 Summer Games in the sport of Bocce. This will be his first time competing at the World Games.
• Ellen MacNearney of Brudenell has been involved with the Special Olympics for 15 years. She represented Canada at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Pyeongchang 2013 winning one gold and one bronze medal in cross-country skiing. Ellen was also named Special Olympics Canada's Female Athlete of the Year in 2013 and in 2018.
• Charity Sheehan of Covehead has worked with Special Olympics since 2001 and has been Special Olympics PEI’s Executive Director since 2013. She has served as Mission Staff for the Canada Games on two occasions and was also an Assistant Chef for Team PEI. She has been Mission Staff at three Special Olympics World Games and has twice been appointed Special Olympics Team Canada’s Chef de Mission, including World Games 2025.
• Charlottetown’s Genna Phelan has been with Special Olympics PEI since 2011 and is Manager of Sport and Competitions. She has been to five Canada Games and attended five Special Olympics National Games. She attended the Global Athlete Congress as a mentor to PEI athlete Heidi Mallett (Chair of the Global Athlete Leadership Council), ahead of the Special Olympics World Summer Games 2023 Berlin.
• Sarah Profitt-Wagner of York has been Special Olympics PEI’s Manager of Communications, Fund Development, School and Youth since 2014. She will be joining Special Olympics Team Canada as a Communications Liaison. This will be her first World Games.

About Special Olympics World Winter Games and Special Olympics Team Canada

• The Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy runs from March 8-15, 2025. 
• After a hiatus since the Special Olympics World Winter Games Austria 2017, the 2025 Games signify the return of winter sport competition on the world stage. Special Olympics Team Canada will compete in five winter sports: short track speed skating, figure skating, cross country skiing, alpine skiing and snowshoe. 
• The Games will be hosted in two locations: Turin for snow sports and Grenoble for ice sports, with both cities collaborating to provide top-tier competition facilities and accommodations. 
• Special Olympics Team Canada consists of 135 members, including 91 athletes, 24 coaches, five mission staff, 14 team leadership members and an honorary coach. Additionally, over 70 local training coaches from across Canada will support the team from their hometowns.

To learn more visit Special Olympics PEI and Special Olympics Team Canada