Local powerlifting athlete to compete in Special Olympics World Games in Germany
Regina’s Aaron Higgins will compete at the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany at the end of the month in powerlifting.
“I feel great!” exclaimed Higgins, who will compete in deadlift, squat, and benchpress at his first ever international competition.
“It’s pretty huge, it’s the biggest Special O competition in the world. So it is the pinnacle and peak of the sport pathway,” explained Ben Lozinsky, director of programs for Special Olympics Saskatchewan.
Higgins is among eight athletes from Saskatchewan who will represent Team Canada, which consists of 90 athletes from across the country.
This is the first time since 2018 that the games are taking place due to the pandemic. Normally athletes have to attend nationals and based on scores from that event, can qualify for the international event.
However, this year Higgins was able to compete at local competitions and since he was the best powerlifter in Saskatchewan, he was chosen to go.
“It was a little bittersweet [telling the athletes] because we got to tell them and then we had to tell them to keep a secret for a little bit,” laughed Lozinsky. “It’s awesome and you can tell the excitement. A lot of them put in a ton of work so it’s rewarding.”
Higgins trains four times a week with Tanner Kyle out of Trench Fitness in Regina. The two have worked together since 2019.
“The biggest thing is he’s fun to work with. But when it’s time to get down to the nitty gritty, he’s serious so I don’t have to help him too much,” Kyle said.
“We’re like brothers. It’s definitely fun every day when you spend four hours a week with someone, you get pretty close,” he added.
Higgins, who is described as ‘the life of the party’ by both Kyle and Lozinsky, is excited to take his talents overseas and already has a goal in mind.
“My goal is to squat 500 pounds, 55 bench, or uh maybe about 410,” said Higgins.
“He’s pretty quiet [about the Special Olympics World Games] unless you ask him about it. He’s pretty calm, cool, collected. But I know inside he’s nervous and when the time comes, his demeanour will change. But in here, it’s like he’s not even going. He’s just focused and serious about training,” Kyle said.
When asked what he is most excited for, Higgins could not pinpoint one specific thing.
“All of it!” Higgins laughed. “All of it!”
The games are taking place from June 17-25. More information about Team Canada can be found here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
2 charged after police find 'concerning and diverse' explosives at Manitoba home
Winnipeg police say they have arrested two people in their 20s after a large amount of explosives were found in a home outside of Winnipeg, Man.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Spain abolishes national bullfighting award in cultural shift
Spain scrapped an annual bullfighting award on Friday, prompting a rebuke from conservatives over a backlash against a centuries-old tradition they see as an art form but which has run into growing concern for animal welfare.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.