Special Olympics BC – Nanaimo
- When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?
- Special Olympics has played an instrumental part in Ron Greenhorn’s life for over 30 years. The Nanaimo athlete has competed in multiple sports over the years, enjoying all the memorable friendships, competitions, and experiences.
- What sports do you participate in?
- Ron currently participates in track and field, alpine skiing, Club Fit, and rhythmic gymnastics. He has participated in many additional sports over the years.
- What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date? / What are some of your biggest achievements in Special Olympics so far?
- Earning the opportunity to compete in the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy, is Ron’s favourite Special Olympics experience to date, and a significant achievement. In the alpine skiing events, Ron won a bronze medal and finished fourth and seventh in this significant global competition. This was the first time Ron made it to the Special Olympics World Games in 30+ years as a Special Olympics athlete!
- Ron values Special Olympics because he likes his sports, meeting new friends, and seeing old friends.
- What competitions have you been part of recently and/or upcoming?
- Last summer, Ron competed in track and field in the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games, and earned a spot on the Special Olympics Team BC 2026 Training Squad, our provincial team working toward competing with pride in the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat. Ron says competing in track and field is a “good challenge,” and his goal for these next National Games is “trying my best!” This will be Ron’s third time competing in National Games.
- This winter, Ron competed in alpine skiing in the 2026 Special Olympics BC Regional Qualifiers. In B.C., Regional Qualifiers are the grassroots start of the Special Olympics Games cycle. Athletes compete to earn the opportunity to move forward to Special Olympics BC Provincial Games. “I enjoy the speed while skiing,” Ron says.
- For this dedicated athlete, competing in Special Olympics Games “means a lot.”
- What would you say about Special Olympics to encourage someone to get involved?
- “Pretty much everything is amazing,” Ron says. “Try it – it’s lots of fun!”
- A bit more about Ron
- Ron won the Special Olympics BC provincial Spirit of Sport Award in 2011, recognizing his exemplary sportsmanship and contributions to his community and to Special Olympics. Read more
- Ron is an experienced DJ! He has shared his talents with multiple different Special Olympics events and community gatherings.
- Ron describes himself as knowledgeable, nice, and someone who enjoys travelling.
Special Olympics BC is dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and building inclusion through the power and joy of sport.
In 55 communities around the province, including 10 right here on Vancouver Island, Special Olympics provides year-round sport, youth, and health programs and empowering competitions to more than 3,400 athletes with intellectual disabilities of all ages and a wide range of ability levels.
Athletes access Special Olympics BC’s life-changing programs and competitions at low or no cost, thanks to the dedicated efforts of our 2,200 coaching and organizing volunteers, and the generous support of our sponsors and donors.
They are always in need of volunteers! To get involved, click HERE