Tony Wilkinson
Local Community
Kelowna
When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?
In 2002, my parents found out about the Special Olympics and got me to try it out. My first sport was 5-pin bowling, and I started when I was 9 years old.
Will this be your first Special Olympics Canada Games? If not, what other National Games did you compete in, and in what sports?
No. I competed in Corner Brook, Thunder Bay, and Calgary for snowshoeing, as well as Antigonish for bocce.
What were your results in the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games? How did you feel about your performance?
I earned a gold medal for powerlifting, and it feels awesome.
What does being part of Special Olympics Team BC 2026 mean to you?
To represent my province as part of Team BC is an honour, and it feels amazing.
What is your goal for these National Games?
To try to win a medal, do my best at these National Games, and have fun.
What is your favourite Special Olympics experience to date?
My favourite experience was going to my first Winter World Games in Austria for snowshoeing 2017, winning gold and silver medals. After the games, we got an invite by the Government of Canada to go to Parliament Hill, walk in the House of Commons, and meet the Prime Minister.
What do you like most about the sport you will compete in at National Games?
I find it's a challenging sport to compete in, and it makes me strong and helps me in all of my other sports.
What would you say about Special Olympics to encourage someone to get involved?
I would say that Special Olympics can change their lives. You learn how to stay healthy and how to work out well.
Please tell us a little bit more about yourself! What else would you like people to know about you?
I am half Italian from my mother. She was born in Rome. I have been on 3 Team Canadas for snowshoeing, and this my second Summer Games. I am proud to work at Passport Canada.