Jason Menard

Running with Determination, Passion, and Purpose

My name is Jason Menard, and I’m running these 26.2 miles to show what’s possible when you believe in yourself and the people around you.

I’m from Dover, New Hampshire, and I’m proud to be a Special Olympics New Hampshire athlete with Dover Area Special Olympics. I currently compete in athletics and basketball, and I’d love to try soccer in the future. I’m also a student at Great Bay Community College, where I’m continuing to work toward my goals both on and off the field.

Special Olympics has helped shape who I am. Through sports, I’ve learned confidence, teamwork, and determination. One of the goals I’m working toward is being a motivation and a spark for the people on my teams, as well as other athletes across our community. I want to be someone others can look to and say, “If he can do it, maybe I can too.”

I’ve been lucky to learn from incredible people along the way, especially my coach, MJ Hippern, who inspires me to keep pushing forward. People often describe me as funny, energetic, and motivating, and I try to bring that same energy into everything I do, including this run.

If I could give one piece of advice to someone new to Special Olympics, it would be this: open yourself up to the opportunity of change that Special Olympics provides for you. It can change how you see yourself and what you believe you’re capable of.

By taking on this marathon, I want people to recognize the determination and passion that my fellow athletes bring to the things they care about, including Special Olympics New Hampshire. These miles are about more than crossing a finish line. They’re about showing what happens when athletes are given the opportunity to train, compete, and belong.

Thank you for being part of this journey and for supporting athletes like me as we chase big goals, one mile at a time.