Dayton’s Special Olympics Champ

DAYTON -- Most 21-year-old men can't be described using words like selfless, kind and determined but then, Kristofer Wilbur isn't like most 21-year-old men.

Wilbur is a special-needs adult living in Dayton. He has seen his share of hurdles, but he doesn't let his special needs set him back.

In 2007 Wilbur joined the Blue Mountain Stampeeders, a Special Olympics team based in Walla Walla. On the team, he runs, walks, throws shot put and brings home medals.

"Track is fun and rewarding," Wilbur said. "I like to see all of my friends and make new ones.

Since Wilbur joined the Stampeeders, he has excelled and even competed at the state level at Fort Lewis this year, his mother Barbara Wilbur said.

"I've never seen him do so well," she said. "He came home with two gold medals and one silver."

Outside of sports, Wilbur is just a typical guy, according to Barbara. He likes hanging out downtown and shooting pool. He also enjoys movies, basketball and video games. Wilbur's dedication has helped him progress in more than just athletics. His extended academic career has been a major part of his life as well. While he walked with his graduating class at Dayton High School in 2009, he will be receiving his diploma for finishing school this year.

Wilbur said he is really excited to be graduating. He said he plans to spend the summer working and with his friends.

"He'll be out of the school system for the first time since he was three," Barbara said.

When Wilbur first started preschool, he hardly ever spoke, his father Keith Wilbur said.

Barbara said starting preschool helped Wilbur come out of his shell.

"The first time he read to me, I cried," Barbara said.

And Wilbur didn't stop with just reading. He continued with his studies

"He has made amazing growth," Barbara added. "Every day is a new day."

The best word to describe Wilbur's parents is proud. Barbara said she is proud of her son's performance in athletic events, but she's even more proud of the person he's become.

His father Keith said Wilbur has become a thoughtful and kind person. At a recent track event, Wilbur was scheduled to run in a relay, but there weren't enough spots for everyone to participate. Wilbur voluntarily took himself out of the event so one of his teammates could have a chance to run, Barbara said.

"We're really proud of our little man," Barbara said.

Wilbur looks forward to every day, Keith said. He currently has a fulltime job taking after his dad working for the Walla Walla Blue Mountain Industries doing landscaping work, which he intends to continue.

"He comes home with a big smile and tells us about his day and what he's done, then he falls asleep," Keith said. "And he looks forward to every day."

Wilbur's enthusiasm for work, sports and his friends has helped him achieve something many people struggle to find.

"He said he's starting to feel like he's accomplished something," Barbara said.

Last Saturday, Wilbur and the Blue Mountain Stampeeders were invited to compete in the Oregon Special Olympics. Barbara said the team is always invited to the event, hosted in Milton-Freewater, Ore., because they are in close proximity to the event location.

At the competition, it was cloudy, windy and chilly, but the athletes all wore great big smiles.

"We have a really good group of athletes," Barbara said. "It's great to work with them and around them."

In the future, Wilbur plans to continue to participate in the Special Olympics including the bowling event in Walla Walla in the fall. And it's there, on that Special Olympics field, something becomes clear about this kind and determined athlete. Nothing in his life has been handed to him. And despite everything, being in school for five extra years, being a special-needs adult, even the challenge of finding shoes for his size 13 feet -- Wilbur loves life.

He takes pride in his job and working with his fellow athletes. His parents love and support him and he found a sport he excels at and enjoys.

"He's our teddy bear in an adult body," Barbara said.

As he and his teammates joke and stretch, the support they provide one another is apparent. Wilbur exemplifies strength against the trials of life and nothing is going to stop him anytime soon.

Who He Is: Kristofer Wilbur

Age: 21 Schooling: Dayton High School Graduate

Known For: Bringing Home Medals For The Blue Mt. Stampeeders Track & Field Team

2012 State Track Meet Results For Wilbur:

Shot Put:

9.25 Meters 100-Meter Dash:

19.40 Seconds 200-Meter Walk:

1:20.80