Ron Struch

How long have you been involved with Special Olympics?

I have been involved with Special Olympics as a volunteer coach for 22 years.

How did you first introduced to the movement and what got you hooked?

I was first introduced to Special Olympics through a Manitoba Alpine request that our local Special Olympics program was looking for an alpine ski coach for an athlete training for the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in 2004. The athlete and I trained for Nationals and his attitude and enthusiasm really impressed me. Then the excitement of all Special Olympics athletes participating at those National Games made a lasting impression on me. I wanted to support more athletes in this journey, so as soon as I returned home, I accepted the role of Club Coach and never looked back!

How has Special Olympics impacted your life?

My involvement with Special Olympics has helped me to see what progress can be accomplished in coaching and socializing with my athletes. Great friendships have been made among us.

What is your favourite part about your role on the team?

My role on the National Team to help train and prepare the athletes for competition is a great responsibility and very exciting. It makes me happy and proud of the progress the athletes make and to show their commitment to represent Canada.

What is your proudest moment with Special Olympics?

One of the proudest moments with Special Olympics is having 3 athletes from Manitoba selected to Special Olympics Team Canada for the Worlds Games in 2022. From the Prairies to the Mountains. Many other moments make me proud of our athletes – whether it’s seeing an athlete learn to ski on their own; an athlete accomplishing the gates on a race course for the first time or an athlete excited about doing their personal best.

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

Being a part of Special Olympics Team Canada is an honour and I accept the responsibility to help all the athletes experience the fun and enjoyment visiting another part of the world. We help the athletes to be proud of representing Canada and be good role models for others. My goal for Turin is to help the athletes have fun; experience another culture; show good sportsmanship in their behaviour and to do their very best in the competitions.

What unique skills or experiences do you bring to your role as a coach, mission staff or team leadership and what drives you to support and inspire the athletes every day?

The skills that I bring to help the athletes on Special Olympics Team Canada are my enthusiasm, the years of coaching and coach development, being a role model as an athlete in my time, and my experience from living in Europe for a year, understanding other cultures. I wish to share my experiences as an athlete and a coach with the athletes and encourage them to be the best they can be.

What would you say to someone who is considering volunteering with Special Olympics?

I would encourage anyone thinking about it to volunteer. Your life will be better for it. Volunteering will fill your time with fun, excitement and personal satisfaction. It is a very fulfilling experience.