Special Olympics Southland’s Grant McKenzie is keen to promote the life-changing benefits of sport.
“It feels good to be a healthy athlete and I would like to get younger people more involved. Sport gave me a purpose and I am motivated to do my best because I enjoy it. With Special Olympics New Zealand I have been to different places, met lots of interesting people and made new friends. I am out in the community training and competing like anyone else. I encourage others to get out and have a go.”
Grant joined Special Olympics New Zealand in 2004 after leaving high school. He now flats in Invercargill and is involved in tenpin bowling, athletics, powerlifting and rowing. He trains five days a week and has been to Regional and National Games.
As a Global Messenger, Grant is looking forward to sharing his experiences with others.
“I will talk about how Special Olympics has helped me and what it offers people with a disability. It is important for us to be able to enjoy sports, achieve goals, make friends and have some fun, just like everyone else.”