Published on March 1, 2024
On Thursday, March 21, at 7:00 pm we will welcome Chris Nikic to our Middle School to give a presentation entitled, ‘Reaching my Full Potential and How You Can Too.’ This event is presented by the Warwick Education Foundation.
Chris set a world record by being the first Special Olympics athlete and the first person with Down Syndrome to complete a 140.6-mile Ironman. His mission is to inspire others like him to pursue their dreams and goals.
During the school day, Chris will share his message with students in grades 7-12. He will also meet with the UNIFIED Track Team after school for a team workout challenge.
Following the school day, Chris will give a presentation at the Middle School for anyone in the community to attend, free of charge. During his presentation, he will share how he is able to achieve his goals and get better each and every day.
Chris’ greatest achievement is showing others how getting 1% better every day and shifting your focus from your disabilities to your abilities, pursuing your dreams with unwavering tenacity, having a positive attitude, and having a ‘no-quit’ grit can help anyone achieve their goals. Notably, Chris has achieved the following goals over the past few years:
World Championship Hawaii Ironman Finisher
Guinness Book Record Holder
Special Olympics, Ironman, and Laureus Global Ambassador
NBC Documentary, ESPN Special Edition, and Special Olympics award-winning documentary
2x ESPY Award Winner (Jimmy V for Perseverance & Male Athlete with a Disability)
Laureus Global Sporting Moment of the Year
Kulture City Inclusion Person of the Year
PR Week Most Purposeful Person Under 30
Boston, NYC, Tokyo, Berlin, Chicago, and London Marathon Finisher
Florida Sports Hall of Fame Inductee, Class of 2022
Inspired a new category for athletes with disabilities with Ironman and Major marathons
Institute for Sports and Social Justice – Barrier Breaker Award
Children’s Book: 1% Better - The Chris Nikic Story
Author Book: 1% Better – Reaching My Full Potential and How You Can Too
Inspired and trained 6 other Special Olympics to complete an Ironman in 2023
Inspirational Speaker – YTD over 300 speeches
In honor of World Down Syndrome Day and Autism Awareness, we are selling shirts that say, ‘I don’t need easy, I need possible.’ All proceeds will benefit Gigi's Playhouse of Lancaster and Aaron's Acres of Lancaster. Shirts are illustrated by Scotty Reifsnyder, printed on super soft Bella Canvas tees, and printed by the amazing Lancaster Print House. You can click here to order one!
We hope you’ll join us for this inspirational speaker!