Declan Forcier of Duncan says he wants his four gold medals, and seven in total, from the 2023 World Dwarf Games this summer in Cologne, Germany, to shine like a beacon.
“I feel like a role model to other kids and athletes with dwarfism, and by sharing this story about the Games in Germany, that more people from sa国际传媒 will be able to join Team sa国际传媒 for the next World Dwarf Games in Australia in 2027,” said the 11-year-old Island dynamo, his quotes relayed through his mom Tammy Isaachsen.
“It was a very exciting experience. I’ve never travelled that far before, so it’s pretty cool seeing a new part of the world and meeting other athletes with dwarfism from lots of other countries.
“And I also felt pretty nervous about competing against athletes from other countries because I hadn’t competed at that level before. It feels pretty good to have won so many medals.”
The golds in the VIII World Dwarf Games came in the 40- and 60-metre sprint races and the tennis ball and cricket ball throws. He also won silver in volleyball and bronze in soccer and basketball as part of the Canadian junior teams.
“I am most proud of the four gold medals as they are in individual events,” said Forcier.
He began playing baseball with the Duncan Junior Baseball Association at five years old and just finished his seventh season in the organization. He started playing hockey at age nine and is going into his third season this fall in the Cowichan Valley Minor Hockey Association. He also plays soccer, basketball, and rugby in school.
“I am strong, fast, and love the competition. I also think I’m a pretty smart player, which makes me a great teammate,” said Forcier.
Forcier plays against players not with dwarfism in his regular leagues but the multi-sport Games, held every four years, allowed him another competitive avenue: “I was excited about playing with and against other kids of the same stature at eye level. All of the sports I play at home and at school are, of course, with average-height peers.”
Forcier’s drive is hard not to admire, no matter which venue in which he competes.
“I’m so proud of his determination,” said his mom.
“Whether he’s playing with kids who are twice his size, or with other athletes with dwarfism, he’s 100 per cent committed and doesn’t let anything hold him back,” said Isaachsen.
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