A Local Special Olymics athlete from Morley will eyeing gold when he participates in the 2022 Summer Special Olympics Games in Orlando, Florida.

Back in January of 2006, a teacher got Tyler Lawton involved with the Special Olympics when he tried downhill skiing for the first time.

 

"I had never done skiing before so they had me go on a little, tiny bunny hill first then I went on a giant hill and I've been doing that ever since." Lawton said. 

Participating in different sports for Special Olympics means a lot to him.

“It gives athletes like me an opportunity to showcase our talents and abilities in our own personal way.“ He said.

Lawton will be participating in the long jump, shot put and 100 meter dash when he's in Florida from June 5th-12th. Tyler says he loves all the events he's in but shot put is his favorite event.

 

“It's exciting, because it was my dream for a long time to be part of the Special Olympics, not only for our area but for Michigan.” Lawton said.

 

Tyler's Mom Terry is very proud of her son's accomplishments.

 

"We are very excited because we know this is one of Tyler's dreams and he's worked very hard over the years to accomplish this dream." She said.

 

Lawton will be trying to win one of those medals in June but he knows there is a bigger picture.

 

"Winning a medal is great but it's the journey that makes us champions." Lawton said.