Dreams realised for Kaylen

Kaylen will always remember his 18th birthday as the day his dreams came true.

The milestone was made even more special when the Y NSW gymnast and coach was told he had qualified for the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin and would be representing Australia in Men’s Artistic Level Two gymnastics.

In June 2023, Kaylen joined fellow gymnast Chris who also trains at the Y, and a cohort of 7000 athletes with intellectual disabilities from over 170 countries to compete at the World Games. This was Kaylen’s first international competition and a highlight of his 16-year journey with the Y where he started at age two.

“I feel good about the Y being inclusive of people with a disability like me because it gives us an opportunity to have fun, learn new communication skills, teamwork skills and make new friends,” he said.

Kaylen came home triumphant with two bronze medals. Chris was also successful at what was his third appearance at a Special Olympics, bringing home three gold medals and four silver.