University College Isle of Man (UCM) student Dylan Butler won two gold medals at the Special Olympics World Winter Games.
Dylan, who studies Foundation Learning General Studies at UCM, took home first place in the 100m and 200m snowshoeing event last month.
Snowshoeing, which is becoming a popular outdoor winter activity, combines aerobic activity with ease of walking over snow without sinking in, and is part of the Arctic Winter Games and the winter Special Olympics.
Dylan was one of 1,442 athletes selected from around the world to take part in the Games. He was also joined in the Isle of Man delegation by former UCM students Kanyeba Lubilanji, Robert Molesworth and Rebecca Maller, with a total of four medals being brought home.
Dylan commented: “I am so proud to have been able to represent the Isle of Man at an international sporting event, and to bring back not one but two gold medals is so rewarding.”
UCM’s Principal, Jesamine Kelly, added: “A huge well done to Dylan and his fellow Manx athletes for taking part in such a prestigious event; it really does go to show the fantastic talent we have on the Isle of Man. The hard work, determination and resilience Dylan has displayed has really paid off; these are great skills that will no doubt benefit Dylan both in his sporting and professional careers when he leaves UCM.”
UCM, as part of the Department for Education, Sport and Culture, is TASS accredited, which is an innovative programme which supports young people to gain qualifications alongside their sporting pursuits.