TRURO, N.S. — A recent trip to Toronto provided Jason Hicks with experiences he never thought possible.
Hicks was there to compete in the first Special Olympics Youth Invitational Games, and he returned with three medals and dozens of great memories.
“I had a very good time; probably the best time of my life,” he said. “I’m pretty happy with my accomplishments. I didn’t expect to win a medal and the medal presentations were amazing. This is something I never thought would happen.”
He won gold in shot put, silver in the 4x100 relay, and bronze in the 100m race, along with recording a personal best distance in the running long jump, and placing fifth in the 200 m.
Hicks also enjoyed the social aspect of the games.
“I met a lot of people and talked a lot with the Cayman Islands team,” he said. “They were all very nice people, always smiling. You can tell they enjoy doing what they do.”
He hopes to use the internet to keep in touch with members of the Cayman Islands team.
The games provided Hicks with his first trip to Toronto and his first plane trip.
“When I got on the plane I was nervous at first, but I got used to it and then it was fun,” he said.
He enjoyed seeing the sights of a busy city but not as much as being on the track. He’s going to compete at provincials this year and his goal is to make it to nationals.”
“I love to run,” he added. “I’m going to provincials this year and my goal is to make nationals.
Never give up on your dreams; they might just become reality.”
