Renaissance man Ben Tyler, is not only winning Special Olympics medals but also shining on stage.
The multi-talented performer, who has Down's Syndrome, is pursuing his goal of acting in TV and films.
Tyler, an accomplished athlete, bagged both silver and bronze medals at the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi in 2019. He remains dedicated to his sports, consistently attending the gym as well as playing tennis across the UK with the LTA.
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Tyler loves music and enjoys singing and playing the drums (Image: Mike Hall)
Tyler loves music and enjoys singing and playing the drums. He loves listening to Take That and is a dedicated fan of country singer Nathan Evans. His favorite is Evans's version of "Wellerman."
The multi-talented performer has also delighted audiences with his dance abilities with Blue Apple's dance group in Winchester. Recently, he participated in a video promoting The Big Movement, a dance initiative organised by ZoieLogic Dance Theatre in partnership with Solent Mind.
Tyler's love for performance extends to acting, and he holds the stage with Blue Apple's Special Assignments Company (SAC). Known for its unique and visual live art at events such as the Winchester Hat Fair, this year, SAC is collaborating with The New Carnival Company to create a nine-foot 'Jane Austen Living Statue' puppet. Tyler will be the puppeteer leading the event.
In February, Tyler took to the stage at The Chesil Theatre performing in "Cake" by Victoria Buse, under the expert direction of Marcus Whitfield.
The play, part of a series based on the theme of Snakes and Ladders, explores the intricacies of relationships with a character who has Down's Syndrome.
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Tyler's range of skills reflect his active involvement in sport, drama, and dance (Image: Supplied)
Tyler's range of skills reflect his active involvement in sport, drama, dance and his day job as an assistant chef at YMCA Fairthorne Manor and at Brendoncare. But, for this multi-faceted man, the ultimate dream is to become a screen actor.
Ben’s mum Jo said: "He’s always had great pleasure from training, performing and competing and his self-esteem just rockets.
"He started dancing seriously when he was at Alton College and then when he was 16 he took up drama and street dance at Blue Apple. As the youngest of nine children, he's been brought up exactly like all the rest and I've expected people to take him on and expected him to keep up and the coaches have been amazed and proud of what he’s achieved."
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