Andrew Hynes to Carry Torch at Special Olympics World Games
Andrew Hynes, a resident of the Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s, will hold an extraordinary honour at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Kazan, Russian in 2022. Andrew has been chosen as one of only ten athletes from around the world who will carry the torch at the games next year.
As a 33-year-old Special Olympics athlete, Andrew is actively involved in the sports of floor hockey, soccer, and track and field. He has been participating in Special Olympics for 23 years, and during that time, he has certainly accomplished quite a lot. He has attended seven National Games, garnering a range of accomplishments at each, including:
- 2008 – Andrew scored the winning goal for his soccer team to win the Gold Medal in Quebec City.
- 2010 – Andrew and his team won a bronze medal for Soccer in London, Ontario.
- 2012 – Andrew and his team finished 4th in Hockey at Nationals in Edmonton.
- 2014 – Andrew won a silver at Nationals in Vancouver and he also was a member of the team that won the “Team of the Year” award at a gala event in Toronto.
- 2016 – Andrew and his team finished 2nd in Hockey in Corner Brook.
- 2018 – Andrew and his team won a bronze medal in soccer in Antigonish.
- 2020 – Andrew and his team finished 4th in Hockey in Thunder Bay.
In 2010, Andrew was also the winner of the NL Provincial Athlete of the Year, and has earned many, many more individual awards over the years. Andrew has certainly proven to be an incredibly dedicated and talented athlete. We wish him all the best and send congratulations to Andrew for earning the incredible opportunity to carry the torch at the World Games in Russian. Andrew, your hometown is very proud!
The Special Olympics World Winter Games in Kazan, Russia in 2022 will serve as a catalyst that will challenge perceptions about people with intellectual disabilities, and all people with differences, and demonstrate to the world the power of sport to establish thriving, inclusive communities by transforming attitudes and behaviors.
From 22 – 28 January 2022 2,000 athletes and Unified partners from 108 Nations and 3,000 Volunteers from all over the world will gather in Kazan to create acceptance and inclusion through sport, volunteerism, education and health.