Gendall’s Surrey parents fully embrace his love for the spotlight, regularly attending sporting events in themed outfits — including shirts that read “Malcolm’s Mom” and “Malcolm’s Dad”
For Surrey’s Malcolm Gendall, the Rugby Sevens tournament isn’t just a sporting event — it’s home. Every year, as the world’s best sevens rugby players take to the Vancouver pitch, Gendall takes to the stands, an electrifying force of pure joy.
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This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Vancouver Sevens, a decade of high-energy rugby and vibrant fandom. Men’s and women’s teams from around the world compete in fast-paced matches, while fans add to the excitement with the popular “fancy dress” tradition and party atmosphere. The event returns to B.C. Place from Feb. 21 to 23.
At 25, Gendall, who has Down syndrome, is now a beloved fixture at the sevens tournament. But it was a fateful day seven years ago that secured his place in the hearts of fans.
The organizers had planned a Jumbotron spectacle featuring a professional dancer, ready to dazzle the crowd. But Gendall, then 18, had his own plans. As the music blared, he stepped in behind the hired performer — feet shuffling, arms waving, energy radiating.
“I just thought that was a hot Bruno Mars song coming on,” he told Postmedia News.
Then, with a theatrical flourish, he unzipped his hoodie, revealing a Rugby Sevens jersey underneath. The crowd erupted. He spun his hoodie in the air before flinging it into the stands — an impromptu gift to the people. The performer, recognizing the moment, simply stepped aside. This was Gendall’s stage now.
“That moment was the best moment of my whole life,” Gendall said.
For Gendall’s mother, Janet, that moment was nerve-racking. As her son got up to dance, she watched in horror, face buried in her hands. But the roar of the crowd was undeniable — her son had stolen the show and won the hearts of thousands.
“I am quite shy, and it’s not in my nature to get up and dance like that,” she admitted. “But with Malcolm, I’ve learned to change that because I want to support him.”
Now, Gendall’s parents fully embrace his love for the spotlight, regularly attending sporting events in themed outfits — including shirts that read “Malcolm’s Mom” and “Malcolm’s Dad” and even “man bun” wigs to match their son’s hairstyle.
“I still get worried sometimes that people will judge Malcolm, but then I see him get up and dance, and it is so clearly the last thing on his mind,” his mother said.
Gendall, for his part, is focused on fun and making people smile.
“I just have a passion for getting up, dancing, and being the centre of attention,” said the 25-year-old, who now brings inspirational T-shirts he designed to give away while dancing at the tournament.
“They say: ‘Believe in yourself,’” said Gendall, who is also a Special Olympian who has broken records in powerlifting. Outside of sports, Malcolm works at a South Surrey fast food restaurant.
But to Vancouver Sevens regulars, the superfan is as much a part of the tournament as the try line itself, whether inside the stadium or at the local rugby clubhouse.
“People always ask me where I learned how to dance,” said Gendall. “I tell them that I taught myself.”
