Belief in self is crucial, and it's the first step; embark on this journey with confidence, as emphasized by athlete Tyrone Pillay. [Athletic Motivation]
Tyrone Pillay: A Paralympic Champion and Advocate for Change
Tyrone Pillay, a 13-year employee at Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) and a bronze medalist from the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Paralympic Games in Shot-Put, is more than just a Para athlete. He is a children's mentor, an avid cricket fan, and a passionate advocate for those living with lower extremity amputations.
Born with a condition affecting his left leg, Tyrone's journey has been marked by resilience and determination. As a young boy, he faced bullying and mockery, but his family treated him as a normal child, fostering an environment of acceptance and love. His grandmother, in particular, encouraged him to embrace his impairment and be grateful for his second chance at life.
Tyrone's father played a significant role in shaping his character. He taught Tyrone the importance of teamwork and independence by benching him for several games. This experience instilled in Tyrone a deep understanding of the dynamic of teamwork, a lesson he carries with him to this day.
After realizing he was too heavy to run fast enough for a medal, Tyrone chose Shot-Put as his sport. His dedication and hard work paid off when he participated in the 2012 London Paralympic Games before winning the bronze medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Paralympic Games.
Tyrone is also an ambassador for "Jumping Kids", a non-profit organization that provides prosthetics for South African children living with lower extremity amputations. He has been involved with the organisation since 2009 and has hosted fundraisers such as the StepUp500 Challenge. He actively acts as a mentor to kids and youth with amputations at Open Air School, supporting around 200 kids since 2011.
Tyrone believes he and Toyota share similar values, particularly the respect for people. He finds Toyota to be a great place to work and where he can learn more values. During his preparation for the Rio Paralympic Games and his journey to Tokyo 2020, he received immense support from his Toyota colleagues. He is proud to support Toyota's mission in providing "Mobility for All" and personally identifies with the idea of "Start Your Impossible".
Meeting Akio Toyoda, the President of Toyota, was a significant experience for Tyrone. It aligned with his personal values and aspirations, reinforcing his belief that he is in the right place. Tyrone Pillay, a Para athlete, children's mentor, and Toyota employee, continues to inspire and make a difference in the lives of many.
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