Hi! My name is Andy from Special Olympics Florida. I love swimming so much that I have broken world records, represented the USA as a competitor, and met a president at the White House.

I have Down syndrome and I have been a Special Olympics swimmer and athlete for almost 30 years. I also have a job as an International Global Messenger for Special Olympics. I travel the world talking about the GREATEST sports program for people with intellectual disabilities (ID)!

Athletes with ID like me can do ANYTHING. We are proving to the world every day that… Yes We Can! We are ready to be accepted for our courage and determination. 

Take me. I am one of only a few athletes with Down syndrome who competes in open water swimming! I have even completed a 5 kilometer open water swim! 

Athletes with ID also have different health care needs. Special Olympics offers free health screenings so people with ID like me have more information and options and ways to be healthy. We celebrate this important work during Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

My journey is impossible without Special Olympics. I started training in the pool at 6 years old. I am happiest when I am swimming, spending time with friends and family, or telling the world about athletes with ID who succeed off the field and on the field because of Special Olympics. Thank you for being a supporter of Special Olympics. 

Let’s keep up the hard work!

Andy Miyares
Special Olympics Florida