Iowa Special Olympics Athlete Wins Gold In Figure Skating

A local Special Olympian is bringing home the gold in figure skating.

Jason Halkias, who is autistic, competed last week at the Special Olympics Iowa winter games in Dubuque. He is from the QC and is no stranger to skating or winning gold medals at the Special Olympics games.

Jason Halkias

Jason competed in the M-1 division of figure skating, while the M-2 division champion also represented Scott County: Gabriel Veasey.

Jason sat down with Sarah earlier this week to chat about his gold medal win.

When he's not training on ice skates, Jason also enjoys doing karaoke at Quad Cities restaurants. During the day, he works for the YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley, so look out for him at our local Y's.

Jason Halkias

Congrats to Jason and all of the Special Olympics Iowa athletes! Ice skating at all isn't something I am able to do so hats off to all of you. Athletes from around the state also competed in other sports I could never attempt like speed skating, alpine ski, cross-country ski, and snowshoeing as part of the Special Olympics winter games.

The first international Special Olympic games were held in 1968 on Soldier Field in Chicago. Since then, Special Olympics Iowa has helped people with intellectual disabilities improve their fitness, self-confidence, self-image, and to create long-lasting friendships. To learn more about Special Olympics Iowa and to see how you can get involved as a coach, a supporter, or as an athlete, check out their website here.

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