Robert Phibben

Robert Phibben, 16, is from Llanelli and is a kayaker. He trains once a week at the North Docks and once a month at the lakes in Cardiff.

To him, Special Olympics means, "having fun, lots of competitions, and a chance to do my sport. It gives me confidence," he says, and he dreams of winning medals. Robert is proud of his Gold and Bronze medals from Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens - 2011's largest sports event with 180 countries and 7000 athletes. Robert was one of 157 learning disabled athletes from England, Scotland and Wales invited to represent Great Britain.

Robert also won Silver and Bronze medals at Special Olympics National Summer Games Leicester in 2009, as well as 2 Gold, 1 Silver and Cup for best in his vision from Nottingham's Paddleability competition in 2010.

This two-time runner up for Llanelli Council Community Awards 2010 also was in the running for Carmarthenshires Sports Personality of the Year Award in January 2011.

Robert loves Archery, Bocce and Boccia and going to the cinema.

According to his foster carer, Allison, "I am proud at what he has achieved and that he is going to represent the country. Meeting new people and travelling to Greece was an exciting opportunity for him and for the rest of the athletes! To watch his confidence building up week by week is marvellous!"

Robert has become a local celebrity and was invited to the Welsh Assembly to meet the ministers. "I was really honoured," he said. CR