Dean Bergeron – Ambassador
Born in La Baie (today known as Saguenay) on February 12, 1969, Dean was passionate about sports, especially hockey. At age 17, he joined the Shawinigan Cataractes of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, embarking on what promised to be a brilliant career.
However, the following year his life was turned upside-down. After a serious training accident, he became paraplegic. Dean then began a long process of physical and social rehabilitation.
He took up physical activity again while studying Actuarial Science and began training for wheelchair racing. Since then he has participated in many international championships and competitions. He participated in the Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games. He has won an impressive total of 11 Paralympic medals!
Pushing the boundaries!
“Every day modern life presents us with new challenges. At work and at home, we are constantly being called upon to do more, better and faster with less. What are we waiting for to take on these challenges and get the most out of our experiences?
For as far back as I can remember, I have always wanted to be first, the fastest and the best. My will to excel has allowed me to conquer numerous life challenges, turning them into enriching and exciting experiences.
We all have the capacity to conquer our challenges and grow through these experiences. Fundamentally, your only limits are those you impose on yourself.” – Dean Bergeron
Occupation
Actuary, international wheelchair athlete and public speaker. Dean joined La Capitale in June 2009 and is currently Vice-President of Administration and Claims.
Achievements
Medalled 11 times at the Paralympic Games (Atlanta, Sydney, Athens and Peking)
For many years, Dean held world records in the 200- and 400-metre events. He was the first person with paraplegia in the world to race 400 metres in under a minute (58 seconds and 54 hundredths of a second.
Dean also holds the Canadian records in the 200-, 400-, 800- and 1,500-metre events. He won three medals in the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games (two gold and one bronze).
He was named “Male Athlete of the Year” by Gala Sport-Quebec in 2009, a title recognizing the best athlete in all sports in Quebec.
In 2017, Dean was inducted into the Panthéon des sports du Québec Hall of Fame and into the Parasports Québec Hall of Fame in 2018.
Date of birth
February 12, 1969
Place of birth
La Baie, Quebec
Place of residence
St-Augustin-de-Desmaures, Quebec