2025 Athlete of the Year - Jessica Cranton
Jessica, known around the rink as “Super Jess” and proudly engraved on her skate blades, has been involved in Special Olympics for 10 years. Since first stepping onto the ice over a decade ago, Jessica has grown not only as a technically skilled figure skater, but also as a confident leader and role model. Her love for the sport is evident the moment she takes to the ice. She takes great pride in mentoring young athletes, including her nine-year-old niece, Charlie.
Jessica is deeply committed to leadership and mentorship, taking particular pride in supporting and inspiring younger athletes, including her nine-year-old niece, Charlie. She is passionate about advocating for girls in sport and is confident in using her voice to promote inclusion and opportunity.
A true team player, Jessica is known as the biggest cheerleader for her fellow skaters, forming lasting friendships with athletes across Canada. Earlier this year, her dedication and talent were recognized on the world stage when she captured a gold medal at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy
2025 Coach of the Year - Peter McCormick
Peter has been involved with Special Olympics for 16 years, beginning his journey as an assistant coach in soccer. He quickly developed a strong connection to the organization and has since played a key role in shaping a wide range of programs across the province. Peter helped lead one of Nova Scotia’s first Special Olympics youth programs and continues to coach the youth multi-sport program. He is the Head Coach for the SO Halifax athletics program and over the last couple winters Peter put together the province’s first-ever Special Olympics Downhill Ski Program.
He is deeply committed to supporting athletes on and off the field, advocating for accessible resources, securing equipment and training support, and creating environments where athletes can thrive.
Peter continues to work hard to develop meaningful programs that offer the opportunity for fun, independence, and healthy living, and personal development. He creates an environment that athletes, volunteers, and coaches are all eager to be a part of. Through leadership by example, Peter instills discipline and determination in the athletes he coaches, while building respectful teams grounded in kindness, positive attitude, and hard work.
2025 Athlete Community Excellence Award - Matt Walsh
Matt has been involved with Special Olympics for 19 years and is known for his contagious enthusiasm and warm smile. He embodies what it means to lead with purpose—both on the field and in the community. Using his voice to promote inclusion, Matt challenges perceptions, inspires thousands, and helps others build confidence and a true sense of belonging.
A passionate advocate, Matt has worked tirelessly to amplify the #NoGoodWay campaign, travelling to universities across Nova Scotia and to events across Canada to share its message. Always putting others first, he ensures those around him have opportunities to succeed and feel included.
Matt represents the very best of community excellence as a proud athlete, leader, and advocate.
2025 Rising Star Coach of the Year Award - Lauren MacRae
Lauren’s Special Olympics journey began in high school through her involvement in Unified Sport. She quickly became a leader within the program, taking on planning and leadership roles in her senior year. After graduating, Lauren continued to champion Unified initiatives by advising incoming program leads and advocating for Unified Sport in both high school and university settings.
Her passion for inclusion through sport led Lauren to become a coach with the Special Olympics Halifax Athletics program, bringing with her an athlete she had supported through Unified Sport. Both have remained actively involved ever since, and now consider Special Olympics Nova Scotia a community where they truly belong.
A strong advocate for inclusion and the transformative power of sport, Lauren represented Canada at the 2025 Special Olympics World Games in Turin, Italy, where she was selected to participate in the Global Youth Leadership Summit. There, she co-developed and presented a project plan alongside youth athlete Bella Mackenzie to expand Unified Sports across Nova Scotia. Known for her humility, empathy, and genuine leadership, Lauren creates spaces where athletes feel supported, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.
2025 Finalist for Athlete of the Year - Brian Waring
Brian has been involved with Special Olympics for 20 years, beginning his journey in Ontario before moving to Nova Scotia. He competes in athletics and snowshoeing and is known for his disciplined approach to training and goal-setting. At the 2023 Provincial Winter Games, Brian set his sights on qualifying for the World Games. After earning a gold medal, he advanced to the Special Olympics Canada National Games in Calgary, bringing him one step closer to that goal by earning a silver medal.
A long-distance snowshoer by nature, Brian typically competes in the 5km and 10km events—distances not offered at the World Games level. Undeterred, he adapted his training to compete at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy, entering the 400m, 800m, and 4x100m relay. Despite the challenge of shifting from endurance racing to sprint events, Brian delivered strong performances, achieving personal bests – 7th in the 400m and 4th in the 800m and contributing to a fourth-place relay finish.
Beyond competition, Brian is a respectful and supportive teammate who offers guidance and consistently looks out for others, including his brother Jason, a fellow Special Olympics Dartmouth athletics athlete. He also recently joined the newly formed floorball team, where he has quickly emerged as a committed and valued team player.
Click the link below to watch the full awards broadcast and to view the rest of the winners of the 2024 Special Olympics Canada National Awards.
