Cameron’s ready to conquer mountains
Horowhenua athlete Cameron Jarvis will be conquering mountains at next year’s Special Olympics World Winter Games.
Jarvis, one of 13 New Zealanders selected to represent the country in Austria next March, will be competing against other athletes with intellectual disabilities from around the world in alpine skiing.
Skiing for 10 years, Jarvis said it has become his passion and his goal is to “whip their butt” and come home with a gold.
“I love skiing because of the speed. I feel great when I ski, it makes me happy,” he said.
Jarvis was selected for the national team after his triple gold-medal winning performance on the slopes at last year’s National Winter Games in Cardrona.
He has been training in the gym three days a week since he got the call-up and had already increased his strength and lost 9kgs.
“I’ve been exercising so I can do my very best as a fit and fast machine. They can’t catch me, no they can’t,” said Jarvis.
Jarvis may be recognisable as he’s worked at Levin’s New World as a checkout assistant for the past 10 years.
He said that in his job he endeavours to greet customers respectfully and be helpful.
Special Olympics Horowhenua Club needs to raise $15,000 to send Jarvis to the Games. With grants and donations, they have raised $7500.