TJ STRAW

TJ STRAW

TJ is a founding athlete of Special Olympics Mackay from 2012 and was selected for Special Olympics National Games in 2014.

TJ was also selected for the Special Olympics National Games in 2018 for basketball and he has been selected for the 2022 Special Olympics National Games for basketball yet again. However, Powerlifting has been TJ’s love for the last 2 years and he attends the mainstream competitions with the Australian Powerlifting Union as it isn’t included in the National Games yet. TJ works at Endeavour and has a very independent life getting around in his Subaru XV.

What event will you be participating at the NQ Games?

APU Qld Titles 

Have you ever competed in an NQ Games before?

Yes in 2018 in Mackay

If so, what’s your favourite memory/experience of the sport?

Winning a mainstream medal

How important is it for you to have local competition like this event?

Saves money so I can compete in more competitions

What’s your best piece of advice for athletes in your sport?

Train hard and do your best

Who has inspired you the most in your sport?

I always want to do my best for my coach

What part of North Queensland are you from?

Mackay

What’s your favourite thing to do in Townsville?

Watch the Cowboys

How did you start/get into this sport?

Playing sports with friends

How long have you been playing/competing in this sport?

2 years for powerlifting and basketball/ten pin bowling for as long as I can remember

What are your sporting career goals?

To attend Worlds for Powerlifting

Are you competing in a few sports at the games? If so, what are they and how will you balance/manage this commitment?

My coach will help me balance bocce, table tennis, basketball, ten pin bowling and powerlifting

The NQ games are a great event to meet and socialise with other athletes, have you made new friends through sport?

Yes, I like playing sport