Martin Joyce

Special Olympics Auckland athlete Martin Joyce is excited about representing New Zealand at his third international event!

The 36 year-old has been competing with Special Olympics since 1998, in basketball, athletics aquatics and snowboarding.

In 2007 he competed in athletics at the 2007 World Summer Games in Shanghai China, and in 2012 played against several Australian basketball teams at the inaugural Special Olympics Trans Tasman Tournament in Wellington.
“I couldn’t believe it when I was selected for Austria,” Martin says. “I’m pretty excited.”

“I’m hoping to do well – I’m looking for a gold medal.”

To boost his chances of winning that gold medal, Martin will be training hard between now and Games next year. As well as his regular sports training Martin is attending the Upper North Island ski camp in August and will also be doing some gate training to get an idea of what the course in Austria will be like.

In addition to his sporting prowess, Martin is also a Global Messenger, and graduated from the Athlete Leadership programme in 2015. In his Global Messenger role Martin regularly speaks to schools and other community groups about Special Olympics and what they do.

Thank you to Martin's sponsors:

Linda Ringrose

Russell Barke

Byrne