Nicholas Skoreyko

How long have you been involved with Special Olympics?

7 years.

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

It all started when my friend invited me to go to one of the track practices, and I started to really like it. Her mom said I should join Special Olympics and do snowshoeing for winter and track for summer so that I could be active and have fun all year long. Special Olympics has changed my life in a way that when I go out, I’m not afraid to be myself around other people and I’m not getting judge for who I am. With Special Olympics, I can go above and beyond and be the change I want to see in the world.

What is a challenge or barrier that you have overcome?

A barrier that I have overcome was having the confidence to talk to people. Now with Special Olympics, I can talk more freely and I’m not afraid to do what I know I am capable of. I know that I won’t get judged when I try, and that I can do anything when I put my mind to it.

What has been your favourite memory with Special Olympics?

My favourite memories with Special Olympcis are meeting new friends and creating bond with people that are like me. I have so many healthy friendships that I know will last a lifetime.

What has participating in Special Olympics taught you?

“Win as a team, lose as a team.”

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

Being a part of Special Olympics Team Canada is a honour, and I'm looking forward to having fun and trying my best in Turin.

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

I want my peers to know that you should always be yourself and never change who you are for someone.

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

I want to tell everyone I can about Special Olympics, and how they can have as much fun as I do if they join too!