Local snowshoer headed to Special Olympics National Winter Games in Calgary this month

By Casandra Turnbull

As the Special Olympic National Winter Games unfold in Calgary later this month, there will be a lot of supporters here in Paris watching as Richard Ward competes in the sport he loves (just one of many!)

You can call Richard, who has ties to Paris, including family, a Special Olympic star! He’s certainly no stranger to the pressures of competing on the provincial and national level and he’s very familiar with a podium

In fact, in 2022 Richard was set to represent Team Canada at the Special Olympics World Winter Games but the games were delayed a year and eventually cancelled in 2023 because of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine

Richard put a lot of hard work and training in preparation of his world stage debut, and all that effort was channelled into some big accomplishments including a gold medal in Huntsville at Provincials, which qualified him for the Nationals. He heads to Calgary from February 26 to March 2 to compete in several snowshoeing events – the 100, 200, 400, 800 and relay events.

“Richard has worked so hard to qualify and he can’t wait to compete to hopefully be on the podium,” said his sister, Lisa Merner-Ward. “He loves the chance to make new friends and have fun We are so very proud of him and can’t wait to attend the Games with him to cheer him on,” said Lisa, who always attends Richard’s competitions, along with their brother Mark Ward.

The three siblings share a close bond After losing both their parents, Keith and Anita Ward at a young age, the Wards took on the responsibility of ensuring Richard had a good, fulfilling

Life

It was Lisa who encouraged Richard to check out Special Olympic sporting and that encouragement ignited a passion, one that Lisa feels was inherited from her parents who were both very athletic

As for his successes so far, Lisa commented during a 2022 Paris Independent interview, “There were so many coaches along the way Wonderful Special Olympic coaches that have done so much for Richard over the years. We are so thankful to the volunteers, OPP and Community Living – all these people have helped, and Richard couldn’t have done it without them ”

Watch for more updates next month as we report on Richard’s success! You can follow the latest news coming from the Games online here

Pictured far left is Richard in action at Nationals in Thunder Bay a few years ago where he qualified for the World Special Olympics in Russia (which were eventually cancelled) as a member of Team Canada. To the immediate left, Richard with his gold medal on the podium at Provincials in Sault Ste Marie a few years ago. Richard is off to Nationals in Calgary later this month to compete in several snowshoeing events. -Submitted photos