TRURO, N.S.
Anthony James is heading to the national Special Olympics games with two goals in mind – to do his best and to have fun.
The 24-year-old Truro resident will be competing in 100m, 200m, and 400m races at this summer’s Special Olympics 2018 Summer Games, being hosted by Antigonish, July 31 to Aug. 4.
“It’s not about winning; it’s about giving your best and enjoying yourself,” he said. “If you do that, you win on the inside.”
James got involved with Special Olympics when he was 10 years old, first playing floor hockey, then soccer. This is his fifth year as a track athlete.
“I gave up soccer because I loved track and wanted to keep up,” he said. “I like the competition.
Track is so much fun. I’m not the fastest but I give everything I have, no matter who I’m competing against. I don’t care if I win or lose.”
He said he’s made a lot of “amazing” friends through Special Olympics, and he’s always looking forward to meeting new people.
He’s coached by Janice Milton, who was a track athlete in high school.
“I got involved with Special Olympics because of love of the sport,” she said. “Anthony’s a pleasure to work with. He’s very coachable, and wonderful to his teammates. He keeps an eye out to include everybody.”
James is always ready to share tips that will help his teammates improve their performance. He recalled giving one of them tips on foot placement, and then saw his jumping improve.
“When I can do that and help someone else it makes me feel good,” he said. “I like to see them improve.”
