By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Mount Pearl Special Olympics soccer squad returned from the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat with a heart full of memories after representing Newfoundland and Labrador on the national stage.
The squad included players aged 20-65, including some who enjoyed their first taste of national competition along with others who represented the province for the eighth or ninth time. On the team this time around were Mount Pearl residents David Wells, Dion Cantwell, Jacob Haynes King, Josh Haynes King, Melanie Taylor, Zach Mahoney and Mark Peddle, who were joined by Nick Styles of Conception Bay South, Shaughn Connors of the Goulds, Michael Mullaly of St. John’s, and Andrew Hynes of Portugal Cove - St. Philips.
“We have earned silver and bronze medals in the past and also have come away with nothing at times. Either way it’s a great week,” said coach Travis Maher, who has coached since inception of the Mount Pearl squad.
He said a fun soccer program runs every summer on Sundays for anyone who wants to try the sport, adding that every four years a team is selected to compete at the provincial games and then travel to the nationals.
Training for nationals took place twice a week for a year and a half leading to the games. Practice was in a gym over the winter and on fields around Mount Pearl once the snow was gone.
Once in Medicine Hat the team competed in three divisional games, four round robin games and one finals game. Unfortunately, Maher said, the team was not placed in the right division and it resulted in some lopsided results. Regardless of the outcome this time around, memories were still made.
“One of our athletes was highlighted on TSN for his goal and celebration at Medicine Hat,” Maher said. “For the warmup one game we joined the PEI team and had a dance party before the game. Regardless of results from any games these athletes always have a great time together as friends.”