Tony Wilkinson

How long have you been involved with Special Olympics?

22 years, I started when I was 9 years old in 2002.

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

My parents found out about Special Olympics and got me involved with 5 pin bowling. Special Olympics really changed me a lot by regularly working out, eating/drinking healthy, communication skills and a chance to travel all over Canada and make new friends.

What is a challenge or barrier that you have overcome?

My biggest challenge was tearing my quad muscle, and now I have a fear of reinjuring it. Through Special Olympics I learned to train properly to rebuild my muscle, so I could be physically and mentally strong and get back to compete at my best.

What has been your favourite memory with Special Olympics?

My best memories are from 2017 when I went to my first Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria where I won gold and silver medals. After the Games, we got invited by the Government of Canada to visit Parliament Hill in Ottawa and walk inside the House of

Commons. We also met the Prime Minister of Canada and I got to have my picture taken with him.

What has participating in Special Olympics taught you?

Confidence, eating habits, exercise, teamwork, and coaching and leadership skills.

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

To represent my country means so much to me, and it's an honour to travel around the world with my teammates on Special Olympics Team Canada. My goal is to do my best, try my best, and win a medal.

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

We are athletic people who are driven to do our best.

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

Special Olympics is a place to learn as part of a life changing, safe and fun community.