Alec Baldwin

How long have you been involved with Special Olympics?

I have been a Special Olympics athlete for 16 years.

How did you first get involved with Special Olympics and how has it changed your life?

I started Swimming in early 2009 and then I changed back to Snowshoeing and Track in 2011. I kept on exercising 6 days per week for training. In Special Olympics I can see all my friends and meet new friends. It's also fun to travel.

What is a challenge or barrier that you have overcome?

It's difficult to understand when someone wants to talk to me. Sometimes they talk too fast and sometimes they say words I don't understand. I keep learning English with my mom. I'm getting better at having conversations.

What has been your favourite memory with Special Olympics?

I was most proud when I won 2 gold medals, for 800 meters and running long jump, and a bronze medal for the 4 by 100 meter relay in Berlin last year. It was very thrilling. I met new friends from United States, Australia, Bahamas, England and other countries. I also traded pins.

What has participating in Special Olympics taught you?

When I'm in Special Olympics, I cheer my friends. When I'm at home, I cheer my friends, too.

What does being part of Special Olympics Team Canada mean to you and what is your goal for Turin?

I'm excited to be in Team Canada and meet new friends. My goal is to get my newest record in Turin. I'm going to train hard and do my best.

What do you want people to know about athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities?

Everyone has trouble with different things including me. Everyone is good at something including me and all my friends in Special Olympics. Everyone can learn.

What would you say to someone thinking of getting involved in Special Olympics?

Do you guys know about Special Olympics? Do you want to join? It's a lot of fun! We play games, get exercise, meet new people, cheer each other on, and sometimes we can travel to new places.