Rene Girard
Local Community
Coquitlam
When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?
I joined the Coquitlam local in 1992. I did softball, speed skating, track and field, curling, and 10 pin bowling.
Will this be your first Special Olympics Canada Games? If not, what other National Games did you compete in, and in what sports?
I have competed at the following National Games:
Track and Field - Halifax - 1994 and London - 2010;
Speed Skating - Calgary - 1996, Ottawa - 2000, PEI - 2004, Quebec - 2008, St. Albert - 2012, Newfoundland - 2016, and Thunder Bay - 2020
What were your results in the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games? How did you feel about your performance?
I earned a Gold medal. I was very happy.
What does being part of Special Olympics Team BC 2026 mean to you?
It is a lot of fun to play ball with my friends and to travel.
What is your goal for these National Games?
To win another Gold medal and enjoy the games. I also want to make new friends.
What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date?
I have loved winning a Gold medal and meeting sport celebrities.
What do you like most about the sport you will compete in at National Games?
To be able to have a good hit and be able to win with my friends.
What would you say about Special Olympics to encourage someone to get involved?
You get good exercise and have fun making new friends. Also, you get to travel.
Please tell us a little bit more about yourself! What else would you like people to know about you?
I like all sports and I like to compete to the best of my ability.