Marc Theriault

How long have you been involved with Special Olympics?

29 years.

How did you first get involved with Special Olympics and how has it changed your life?

My mom heard about Special Olympics from one of her coworkers who was a Paralympic athlete. It has changed my life for the better and has helped me grow as a person. Now I am a mentor and role model to other athletes all over the world.

What is a challenge or barrier that you have overcome?

Even though I have a disability, I have proven to all people that if you put your mind to it anything can be achieved. I have overcome challenges like becoming one of the strongest and hardworking players on my team with dedicated training and focusing on different strategies in the sports that I participate in.

What has been your favourite memory with Special Olympics?

My favorite memory with Special Olympics was going to the Special Olympics World Winter Games South Korea in 2013 where I was able to help my teammates in skating to achieve their personal best and also won a gold medal for myself.

What has participating in Special Olympics taught you?

I have learned from playing my sports how to work well as a team.

What does being part of Special Olympics Team Canada mean to you and what is your goal for Turin?

I am very honoured to represent Special Olympics Team Canada and to compete on the world’s biggest stage. My goal for Turin is to skate a clean program and help my teammates and bring home a new medal.

What do you want people to know about athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities?

Even though we have a disability, we work just as hard to practice and to compete to get to the next level.

What would you say to someone thinking of getting involved in Special Olympics?

Being part of Special Olympics gives you a chance to meet new people, compete and will change your life as you become a stronger, healthier athlete and person. It will also teach you about life skills such as being on time, committing yourself and training to be the best you can be.