Special Olympics has played an instrumental part in Ron Greenhorn’s life for over 30 years. The SOBC – Nanaimo athlete has competed in multiple sports over the years, enjoying all the memorable friendships, competitions, and experiences.

Greenhorn recently competed with pride as part of Special Olympics Team BC 2024 at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024! This was his first National Games for alpine skiing, and he crushed his goals. He successfully skied his way to both a silver and a bronze medal!

“I felt pretty proud of myself,” Greenhorn said. “National Games has been lots of fun… it’s a cool experience to meet new athletes!”

While Greenhorn was focused on competition, he also found time to trade pins with fellow athletes from other provinces – a longstanding tradition of the National Games experience. He especially enjoyed trading pins with Quebec athletes because he was able to practice his French!

Since French is not Greenhorn’s primary language, he was thankful for technology to help him successfully trade pins with Special Olympics Quebec athletes.

“A young lady was trying to give her pin to me so I had to use the translator on my phone, and that helped!” he said.

Outside of competition, Greenhorn is known for his dedication to empowering others and his inspirational determination in everything he approaches. He was the deserving recipient of the SOBC Spirit of Sport Award in 2011! 

Read more in his Spirit of Sport Award bio

Ron is one of many SOBC athletes whose lives have been changed through Special Olympics. Join Ron and the thousands of athletes, volunteers, and supporters of the Special Olympics community, where you can experience the life-changing power of joy and inclusion through sport!

“Pretty much everything is amazing,” Greenhorn says.

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