Erik Anderson has been involved with Special Olympics for over 30 years. He has participated in golf, basketball, alpine skiing, swimming, powerlifting and track. He’s also a leader in the Special Olympics movement and often takes on public speaking roles as a Global Messenger, LETR Ambassador and a Health Messenger.
Special Olympics Minnesota has changed Erik’s life in many ways, including making lifelong friends and developing a healthier lifestyle.
“I know what it feels like to feel left out. With Special Olympics, I feel like I’m a part of a family and I’m accepted,” says Erik. “I look up to my Special Olympics family because they have never given up on me and they give me energy to succeed. They always encourage me to do my best.”
The 2023 USA Games will be Erik’s second time attending the national competition. In fact, one of his proudest accomplishments is going to the very first USA Games in Ames, Iowa in 2006 and winning a gold medal in 9-hole golf.
Outside of Special Olympics, Erik enjoys watching movies, attending monster truck rallies, downhill skiing and spending time with his friends, family and cat.
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