O doesn’t let Autism define him. He works hard to overcome life’s many obstacles to show others with disabilities they can be amazing!
Thank you for generously supporting Owen in this year’s competition. Your support helps empower the V Foundation for Cancer Research and the Why Not You Foundation in their respective missions to save lives and empower today's youth to become tomorrow's leaders.
When he golfs, he loves the personal challenge and competition against himself. He especially enjoys the silence of the game, and feeling like he connects with his great grandfather, who loved golf. Owen has difficulty finding calm and quiet in his mind, and the golf course brings this tranquility to him. He finds the same peace while swimming laps in the pool while working on his strength and endurance. With taekwondo, he finds internal and external strength that fuels him as well.
Owen is blessed to have amazing coaches with golf, swimming, and taekwondo. They acknowledge and grow his abilities, while helping him face and conquer his fears, minimizing his focus of his diagnosis. He loves to see his mom and dad cheer him on, and knows they will always be his biggest fans!
While winning one of his first golf tournaments, his smile exploded and he could hardly contain himself. When he got to the car, he was bursting with energy and we assumed it was from winning, but when we questioned him, he answered, “People clapped for me. People with disabilities can do things!” He hopes to become a professional golfer to help other kids with limitations see their potential.
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like Youth Athlete of the Year, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.