Competition has led to healthy lifestyle for Games participant Beales

Heather Beales is all smiles when she talks about the positive impact Special Olympics has been on her son Philip.

Philip Beales

Philip enjoys hanging out with his fellow Special Olympians because it keeps him active and he gets to meet a lot of new friends who share a common interest.

His mom says life is so much better since he became involved with the Corner Brook Vikings, the local group of Special Olympians who love to have fun and who can be spotted throughout the city with their blue jackets on.

“He’s making a lot more healthy choices and he’s exercising more,” Heather said of her son who has been practising several times per week to be ready for his time to compete against Special Olympians from coast to coast.

Philip used to be one of those guys who would get excited sit down with chocolate bars and chips, but his active participation in sport has made him realize he can be healthier.

“He was a big junk food eater and now he hardly eats it,” mom said. “He tells me not to bring it home to him. If I’m working until 6 o’clock and don’t have time to cook supper I say, ‘I will bring something home’ and he says ‘Oh no, I have to eat healthy.’ ”

He’s an active guy who is friendly and polite, and he’s also popular among his friends because of his uncanny ability to remember things, more specifically when somebody celebrates a birthday.

“He’s getting out more. He’s not sitting at home,” his mom said, who noted that Special Olympics takes up a lot of her son’s time because he’s not working at present.

Heather and her husband Tony want their son to embrace this chance to have fun doing something he loves with people who have become very important in his life. But, one the Games are behind them they want to focus on finding a job that would be a good fit for her son.

They haven’t had any luck in that department yet, but are aware of how it could be a big boost for their son’s confidence because he loves to be active.

“He would need some one on one for a while, but eventually he would be able to do it on his own,” she said.

Philip just wants to have fun. He’s happy to be representing his province and doesn’t worry about whether he wins or loses.

“I like doing something so I won’t be bored,” he said. “I can be fit, healthy and strong.”

It’s going to be an exciting time for the family and friends of Philip. Mom and dad just hope he doesn’t get hurt and has nothing but fond memories when the Games come to a close on March 5.

Special occasions are very important to Philip. He remembers them all because it’s part of his routine.

His mom says her son’s focus is clearly on the Games — his next special occasion — now that Valentine’s Day has passed

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http://www.thewesternstar.com/Sports/Other-Sports/2016-02-27/article-4448114/Competition-has-led-to-healthy-lifestyle-for-Games-participant-Beales/1