Paul Fournier

East Hartford, CT

Meet Paul Fournier, an athlete from East Hartford who will be competing in bowling at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis. Paul has been involved in Special Olympics since he was eight years old and has participated in alpine skiing, bowling, basketball, golf, snowshoeing, and track and field. 

Paul says that Special Olympics is a huge part of his life and that it’s helped him make friends and learn new skills. 

He is most proud of his family and his girlfriend Carmarie because they always believe in him. In addition to participating in Special Olympics, Paul loves his CrossFit workouts. He is also a great singer and known for his great sense of humor.

Paul admires his big brother because he has supported him his whole life. He also admires his sister Aimee because she sees the good in him and recognizes how confident he is. 

Paul says finding out he was selected to go to the USA Games is the best thing that ever happened to him. “What adventures I am going to have,” he says. 

To prepare, Paul is practicing and lifting weights to build up his strength.