At 21 years of age, Grace has been an athlete with Special Olympics New Zealand for 10 years, competing in basketball, power-lifting and football. She has competed in many tournaments both locally and internationally.
In 2017, she also became an assistant coach in basketball. In high school, she was the first person with autism to perform in the school’s wind band and compete in the school’s basketball team. Grace has also been trained as an Athlete Leader since 2017.
Outside of Special Olympics, Grace is currently studying Early Childhood Education level 4 as she would like to become a teacher for children with and without intellectual disabilities. Being involved with Special Olympics has given her opportunities to experience inclusion in her community and form lasting friendships. During her term as the co-chair of the Regional Athlete Input Council, Grace hopes to see greater inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities.
