Sandy laced up his first pair of soccer cleats at the ripe old age of 10, after his older brother, along with a neighbourhood friend, started a U-12 soccer team. This was the beginning of a successful soccer career for Sandy, highlighted by his recognition by both the AUS and the CIS. In Sandy’s first year at X, he was both an AUS first team all

star and CIS 2nd team all-Canadian, as well as AUS rookie of the year. In addition, Sandy led the men’s team in scoring in all five years with the X-men, and he enjoyed

the excitement that came with tie games and penalty kicks. His confidence may have been a contributing factor to earning the title of AUS scoring leader in 1987. Sandy

spent his final two years with the X-men as captain of the team, and he graduated in 1992.

Before his individual and team titles at St.F.X., Sandy spent his high school years as an integral part of the BEC soccer team, where he served as captain for a number of years.

One of the highlights for Sandy and his BEC teammates was when they defeated Prince Andrew High School during championship weekend in New Waterford in 1985. Prince

Andrew was going for their 5th provincial title in a row, and with 7 Canada games players on their roster, they were the favourite for another title. One of the final games on that weekend went to overtime against Prince Andrew. Sandy and his BEC teammates denied the tough Dartmouth team another title, as Sandy scored the winning

goal for the Bears in overtime.

Throughout high school, Sandy was a two sport athlete and played on the Bears varsity basketball team. A highlight of his basketball career was playing on the BEC team that won a bronze medal in a provincial playoff weekend. He graduated from BEC and was co-athlete of the year in 1986.

Sandy’s involvement with soccer, however, didn’t end when he graduated from X in 1992. He returned to New Waterford and enjoyed playing in the men’s senior soccer

league and eventually took on a role as player/coach. When he finally hung up his cleats, he began what would be a successful coaching career with numerous teams,

both in soccer and basketball. While in Antigonish, he co-coached the Dr. John Hugh Gillis boys soccer team to two provincial titles, and back in New Waterford, he coached

middle and high school soccer. The high school team would go on to earn a provincial soccer title.

In basketball, Sandy coached the elementary school team for six years before moving to coaching at middle school and high school. Along with getting to coach his threesons, his coaching highlights included the Bears back-to-back provincial titles in 2022 and 2023, along with a hard fought Coal Bowl Championship title in 2023. 

Sandy used his coach’s clipboard for the entire 31 years he taught school. He stayed involved in the local sporting community, serving as president of New Waterford Minor Soccer, where he led the campaign to build New Waterford Minor Soccer’s first soccer building. He took up basketball refereeing in 1992 and continues to officiate basketball

games at various levels. Sandy has been area supervisor for basketball for more than 20 years and area assignor for almost 15 years. In 2019, the NSSAF awarded Sandy

their “Outstanding Service Award in recognition and appreciation of outstanding contribution to school sport.” This year, Sandy received the Frank Baldwin award, a

provincial award from Basketball Nova Scotia. According to BNS, “this is a special honour recognizing lifelong contribution and leadership in the promotion and

development of basketball in Nova Scotia.”

Sandy has served on the Coal Bowl Board of Directors since 2010, taking on the role of recruiting and assigning officials throughout the tournament. Throughout his many years of volunteer roles, Sandy’s wife, Heather, and sons- Mackenzie, Ben, and Nicholas-have been proud of what he’s accomplished and all that he’s given back to the

community through sport. 

The Coal Bowl Board of Directors is pleased to honour Sandy Kearney as Division Chair for Coal Bowl 2026.

For over fifty years, Robert Burchell has been more than just an athlete; he has been a living embodiment of the Special Olympics mission. Since he first stepped onto a

competitive field in 1973 as a ten-year-old boy from Cape Breton, Robert has woven a legacy of dedication, sportsmanship, and excellence that spans five decades.

Robert’s athletic versatility is staggering. Throughout his career, he has conquered almost every discipline available, from the precision of darts and bocce to the physical

demands of gymnastics, soccer, and track and field. His competitive drive has taken him across Canada, representing Nova Scotia at the National Games on five distinct occasions. His wall of fame tells the story of a national champion: gold in floor hockey in Edmonton

(1989); a dominant four-medal performance in speed skating in PEI (2004); swimming success in Manitoba (2006); and continued podium finishes in speed skating in

Newfoundland (2016) and Calgary (2024). With over 160 medals and 100 ribbons to his name, Robert has achieved a level of athletic success that few can match.

However, Robert’s impact extends far beyond the medals hanging on his wall. He is defined by a profound sense of community and character. Whether he is cheering on his

teammates from the sidelines or spending time with his family, Robert elevates everyone around him. His commitment to service is equally tireless; he serves his church, supports the Saint Vincent de Paul Society food drive, and acts as a primary fundraiser and promoter for

the Special Olympics organization. This selflessness was recognized in 2023 when he received the Dr. Frank Hayden Award, a lifetime achievement honor reserved for those who exemplify the true essence and positive spirit of sport.

As he looks toward the future, Robert shows no signs of slowing down. He remains active in speed skating, swimming, curling, and basketball, driven by a desire to stay healthy and, more importantly, to inspire the next generation. He views himself not just as a competitor, but as a mentor for younger Special Olympians, encouraging them to find the same joy and confidence in sport that has fueled his life for half a century.

He is a true ambassador for the Special Olympics and Nova Scotia. His journey is a powerful reminder that with character and commitment, there are no limits to what one can achieve. Through fifty years of competition, Robert has demonstrated that the heart of a

champion is found not just in winning, but in the enduring spirit of the game.

It is with great pride that the Coal Bowl Board of Directors name Robert Burchell as a Division Chair for Coal Bowl 2026.