Ellen MacNearney: A Champion on the Trails and a Leader in Her Community

Ellen MacNearney  has been involved with Special Olympics for 15 years. Over the years Ellen has experienced tremendous success in sport. Ellen is a natural athlete, one who exemplifies the term multi-sport athlete. The Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 are Ellen's second World Winter Games, having also represented Canada at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Pyeongchang 2013.

Ellen first got involved with Special Olympics after her swim team coach suggested that she join. Before that suggestion, Ellen had not heard of Special Olympics.  Ellen credits the advice of her former swim team coaches with not only helping her makes lots of new friends, but also keeping her active. 

Ellen first started competitive Cross Country Skiing at the Special Olympics Provincial Winter Games 2011. Surprising everyone, Ellen came out of nowhere to win 2 Gold and 1 Silver medals, earning her a sport on Team PEI ahead of the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games 2012 St. Albert. Ellen stole the spotlight in St. Albert winning 3 Gold Medals. Due to this great success, Ellen was named to Special Olympics Team Canada 2013 and had the opportunity to compete at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Pyeongchang. On the world stage Ellen represented her country to the best of her abilities, and won 1 Gold and 1 Bronze medal. To cap off this incredible 2 year run, Ellen was named Special Olympics Canada's Female Athlete of the Year, for the first time, in 2013.

When asked about her favourite Special Olympics moment, Ellen said, "Back in 2013 I was named to Special Olympics Team Canada and had the opportunity to compete at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Pyeongchang 2013 in the sport of Cross Country Ski. I got to meet lots of new friends, and experience a new culture. While I was competing my best friend from high school, Emily Chapman, was there watching her sister, and my fellow Special Olympics Team Canada athlete, Alyssa Chapman, compete in Figure Skating. Emily was there when I won the gold medal in my 1km race!"

Now at her second World Games, Ellen comments on the experience to date: “highlights from my time at Games so far include the Opening Ceremonies and the Family & Friends Brunch. I am looking forward to my competition and races. It is exciting to have both of my parents and my brother, along with my teammate’s families, here to watch me. I am most excited, however, to cheer on not only myself but also my fellow athletes.”

Ellen considers it to be both an honour and a privilege to be part of Special Olympics Team Canada.  Ellen's goal for Turin is "to win a medal, but I will not have my heart set on it in case I don't."

In the lead-up to World Games, Ellen was supported by local training coach, Kathleen MacNearney. Training coaches play an important role supporting Special Olympics Team Canada athletes, overseeing training in their local communities.  With support and guidance from Special Olympics Team Canada Coaches, Kathleen worked with Ellen weekly to help prepare her to once again represent Canada on the world stage. Kathleen’s support for her daughter, Ellen, continues in person at the World Games. Kathleen, along with Ellen’s father and brother, have traveled to Italy to cheer Ellen on in person. 

Off skis, Ellen is heavily involved with Special Olympics in a leadership role. Ellen joined Special Olympics PEI's Board of Directors in 2022 as an Athlete Representative.  Ellen viewed the opportunity as a fun new challenge. Ellen also saw the importance of an athlete having a voice on the Board. As both a trained Health Messenger, and graduate of Special Olympics PEI's Athlete Leadership Academy, and a decorated and celebrated Special Olympics athlete, Ellen brings a strong voice to Special Olympics PEI's Board of Directors. 

Ellen and her Cross Country Ski teammates are set to begin their competition in Sestriere today! Join us as we cheer them on – Go Canada Go!