Support Gantumur's Road to Austria

Gantumur Myagmardorj always dreamed of being an Olympian. He loved sports and, whenever he got the chance, he used to put on his uncle’s long sash, covered in various medals and awards, and pretend he had won them all.

Gantumur was born on May 29th, 1992 and is now 24 years old. After being diagnosed with an intellectual disability, he was able to begin his education in the disabilities program at 7th School in Erdenet City. This program gave him the resources and opportunities to succeed as a student and as a kid, and he graduated in 2009.

Throughout his childhood, Gantumur’s parents really encouraged him to try different sports to help with his physical development. He regularly attended basketball, swimming, volleyball, skating, and table tennis sports clubs, where he improved his skills and made many friends.

Gantumur’s first opportunity to compete in a Special Olympics was during the first Erdenet Special Olympics Event on May 15th, 2015. All of his hard work and practice paid off and he won 7 gold and 1 silver medals for long jump, table tennis, track and field, soccer, volleyball, swimming, and basketball events. With Special Olympics, Gantumer finally had the opportunity to showcase his skills and abilities at a competitive level.

As an elite Special Olympics Athlete, Gantumur was selected to attend Shriver Camp in Shanghai in July 2015. At this camp, he was able to connect with other athletes, obtain additional coaching, and was encouraged to continue his commitment to regular sports training.

His commitment to practice and training has rewarded Gantumur with many successful results in Mongolia’s growing Special Olympics community. At the Central Region Winter Games in Darkhan City in April 2016, he won a gold medal in the floorball competition. At the Mongolian National Special Olympic Winter Games competition in March 2016, Gantumur was awarded gold and silver medals in cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, respectively. As a result of his continued success and hard work, he was then selected as an athlete that will represent Mongolia at the Special Olympic World Winter Games in 2017 in Austria. He will compete in the cross-country skiing event.

Gantumur’s most upcoming competition is the Hong Kong 50th Anniversary Special Olympics Competition, which will be held in November 2016, and where he will compete in the swimming event.

Special Olympics have been a part of this journey and a part of creating opportunities for Gantumur and children like him to compete and learn and grow. Gantumur has been successful not only because of his impressive athletic abilities, but because of the support of his friends, family, and coaches. He has been successful because of his commitment to practice and hard work. He has been successful because of his love of sports and an inspiration that comes from within.