Article content“Now with soccer, it’s a little bit different because his energy needs are a little bit different than in the cold winter rink and with short sprint spurts, we’re learning how to deal with that and how to cook and make some foods,” said Jackie. “We do a lot of things like bring in a lot of foods where we might have picked up things before.Article content“We have a little snackle box full of food that we’ll take along and different things that we have, so, it’s really changed, and we can see a difference in Logan’s growth, energy and his strength.”Article contentLogan said his favourite meals now include different kinds of pasta, especially shrimp pasta, and hamburger macaroni.Article content“The nutritionist has always said there’s no bad food. It’s just the limits of what you want to eat and things like that,” said Larry. “For me, just seeing the difference in what the athletes are eating – and we actually see it when we go to games as well – we actually see the athletes making better choices in their meals at the dining hall, too.”Article contentArticle content Logan Robbins will represent P.E.I. in soccer at the 2026 Special Olympics P.E.I. National Summer Games in Medicine Hat, Alta., from Aug. 11 to 15. Photo by Special Olympics P.E.I. /ContributedArticle contentJackie said positive results are evident. Jackie added Logan has more energy, strength and is growing as an athlete since the family began following the nutritional component.Article content“Especially in speed skating, you notice he doesn’t tire as the day progresses and he has more energy to keep going,” said Jackie. “I feel like it’s made a difference in his energy.”Article contentFor soccer, Jackie said the family is learning the importance of proper hydration.Article content“When it’s so warm, they have to drink a lot and the difference between different types of drinks that they should be drinking before and after, we’re still learning, for sure, but we do notice a difference for sure,” said Jackie.Article contentA decade of playArticle contentLogan has participated in Special Olympics for 10 years. Logan started with the FUNdamentals youth program at age 12. Larry, who is an assistant coach and became involved with Team P.E.I.’s soccer team in 2019, said FUNdamentals provide a perfect opportunity for athletes to get introduced to Special Olympics.Article contentArticle content“With the FUNdamentals program, it’s for the athletes who are a little bit smaller and a little bit younger than a lot of the competitive athletes that are on Team P.E.I. now,” said Larry. “When (Logan) started the youth programs, he was quite a bit smaller, and a little bit shy.Article content“That gives them the opportunity to try out the different sports with athletes of their own age, size and abilities, so they get to learn to have fun and enjoy the sports a lot more than if they went to the competitive sports and are with the older adults who are quite a bit bigger athletes.Article content“It gives them a chance to learn the sports and progress. Then once they get older and a little bit bigger and a little more confident in themselves, then they’re able to move into the competitive athlete sports.”Article contentLogan enjoys the competitive aspect.Article content“My favourite part about playing soccer is competing against athletes that are like at the same level as me and I like competing against them,” said Logan. “We get to work hard and we get to do amazing things in our lives.”
Nutrition program plays a big part for a Special Olympics P.E.I. athletes family
