Stefan Nakoneczny, 33 year old local autistic man from Strawberry Hill has become a double ski medalist at the Special Olympics National Winter Games.

Special Olympics is a part of the Olympic movement.

Whereas the Para Olympics is for people with physical disabilities, Special Olympics is for people with learning difficulties.

Through regional competitions, Stefan qualified for the National Winter Games, which is held every 4 years, with this years event taking place in Folgaria, Italy.

Through regional competitions, Stefan qualified for the National Winter Games, which is held every 4 years. (Photo Credit: Jeremy Nako).

120 of the best skiers from the UK came together to compete over the seven day event.

Stefan competed in the highest category Mens Advanced division 1 where he won the silver medal in the Slalom, and bronze in the Giant Slalom.

Proud dad Jeremy said: "Stefan has been skiing competitively since he was around 12 years of age and was picked to represent Great Britain at the World Winter games in Russia in 2021 which were sadly canceled.

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"We're hoping that he will be selected for the forthcoming World Games in Turin next January.

He added: "He never ceases to surprise us with his enthusiasm, and he has an enormous grin on his face in every photo."