John "Jackie" Barrett was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia and raised in a suburban community of Spryfield. He presently resides in the Corner Brook area. In 1980, Jackie was diagnosed with Autism, Learning Disability, and Speech Impairment. He gradually regained his ability to talk at age six. Jackie spent most of his elementary school years in Special Education classes while he gradually normalized his academic and developmental abilities. He was enrolled in a general academic program in Grade 7 and early Grade 8, and a full academic program starting his late Grade 8 year. At age 13, a family friend suggested that Jackie should be involved with Special Olympics. He decided to join the organization as a Swimmer. During his high school years, Jackie lifted weights almost daily to help build his speed in Swimming. At the 1994 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Halifax, his Team Nova Scotia Swimming Coaches took him to a Powerlifting competition and was amazed as how much weight they lifted. Based on his coach's suggestions, Jackie took up Powerlifting in 1995 and retired from Swimming in 1996. He competed in five appearances at the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games, and four appearances at the Special Olympics World Summer Games as a Powerlifter. During his Special Olympics Powerlifting Career, Jackie has set numerous Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Special Olympics Canada, and Special Olympics World Records.
Jackie Barrett was Sport Nova Scotia "Individual Male Athlete of the Year" runner-up for 1999-2000 and 2007-2008. In 2015, Jackie was the first Special Olympian to be a Lou Marsh Trophy nominee. Jackie was named Special Olympics Canada "Male Athlete of the Year" in 2000 and 2015, and "Dr. Frank Hayden Athlete Lifetime Achievement Award" recipient in 2015. In 2019, Jackie was inducted into the "Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame", becoming the first Special Olympian in its history to receive this honour. Jackie Barrett was named into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame "Class of 2020-2021" in the "Athlete" Category on May 27, 2020, becoming a first Special Olympics athlete in history to receive Canada's highest permanent sports honour. The formal induction ceremony will be held sometime in 2021.
