Hi there, I’m Kiera, a Special Olympics athlete! 

I’m also a cycling coach, public speaker, board member of Special Olympics International, and someone who knows what it means to be underestimated.

When I was young, people made a lot of assumptions about who I would be. Doctors worried. Reports said I would struggle. I needed speech and language support, hearing surgery, and extra help in school.

Back then, many people only saw what I couldn’t do.

But today?

I serve on the Special Olympics International Board of Directors, I am the Global Athlete Congress Chair, I coach cyclists, lead fellow athletes, and represent millions of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) around the world.

With Giving Tuesday coming up, I'm inviting you to help lead with me. Giving Tuesday is the annual day of giving back and one of the most important moments of the year for Special Olympics athletes. Because when you give, you’re telling someone like me: I see your potential and I believe in you! 💪

Make your early Giving Tuesday gift now and it will be 2X MATCHED thanks to our Founding Partner, The Coca-Cola Company >> 

I’ve been part of Special Olympics for over 10 years, and it has changed my life. For the first time, I found a place where I truly belong.

But what matters most to me is helping others feel the same sense of confidence and inclusion I have found. There’s no better team to be on than Special Olympics!!

Every athlete’s journey starts somewhere. For me, it was a bike and a belief that I could do more. For someone else, it might start with your gift. Donate now to help more athletes with ID get in the game. 

Thank you so much,

Kiera Byland

Special Olympics Athlete, Global Athlete Congress Chair 💖