Meet Ron Ward – An Athlete Profile

Ron Ward has been a part of Special Olympics New York since he was 8 years old. Beginning in track and field, then progressing to more sports including basketball, softball and bowling. Ever since, it’s always been a thrill for Ron.

Ron loves meeting new people around Special Olympics, mostly his fellow athletes and other families who share the same excitement for the games. “When you’re out there together, and just sometimes being able to travel to different countries or cities, just a chance to go somewhere makes you feel very special; to know that you are loved by a lot of people,” Ron said.

Ron’s best memory with Special Olympics was at a Summer State Games track and field competition. During his practice time, he thought he had no chance of winning gold. When the games rolled around? Something shifted. “It was like a bolt of lightning struck me like a superhero. I ran my hardest in every sport, and won all gold,” Ron recalls. “It was such a memory. My friends threw water over my head, and I thought I won the Super Bowl!”

Being a part of Special Olympics New York has brought Ron incredible opportunities to help others around him, most notably serving as the Statewide Athlete Leadership Council Chair as well as stepping into a role on the Board of Directors to represent his fellow athletes. Ron is known as a bridge to athletes in his duties; keeping them in the loop about events and important information in their regions.

Motivation is something Ron relies heavily on. He believes that the more you practice, the more you’ll improve your skills. Ron is using that mindset to chase a dream of his: a spot on the USA Games roster in the future.

“I’ll make sure that all athletes have fun, and encourage them to keep going and never give up.”

SHARE THIS: