SOMO News

Tanner Hrenchir, of Special Olympics Missouri’s North Area, started participating in the sport of powerlifting two years ago and it has since became his favorite sport.  We believe he truly adores the individual aspect of it and the fact that each week he can see how much stronger he has become from the last week.

After state last year, Tanner created a new goal for himself– to work as hard as he ever has to hopefully be selected to participate on the next nationals squad for Team Missouri in the sport of powerlifting!

For more than 22 weeks now, Tanner has been meeting with Olympian, Pete Kelly, at 8 a.m. every Saturday  morning to train in his garage.  Pete gave him nightly exercises/lifts to perform and he has kept those going for 22 weeks as well! He has sheets to prove it where he has checked each one off.  My mother says he often spends another couple of hours per night on his exercises and lifts alone.  After Saturday powerlifting practices with Pete, Tanner then attends Special Olympics Missouri bowling practice as well.  He has even started in on cardio, which isn’t a strong suit for him.  It’s fascinating to see how much determination this guy has–he inspires me to get out there and get fit, to be kind and to love life.

One of the greatest parts is Tanner is starting to see his own body change.  Every few weeks we have been upping the weight of his dumb bells at home and he sees his muscles getting stronger and stronger.  He is so proud of himself as he should be!  He is working so hard towards this goal, however he knows that if he does not get selected, there is always next time!

Tanner inspires me every day.  He has held a job since he was 18 (he is now 34) and has participated in SOMO for almost 25 years.  Of the 25 years, I can say I have never seen him more determined to meet a goal.  Through SOMO Tanner has found a HOME; our entire family has found a HOME.  SOMO is what our family does!  It’s our life and we wouldn’t be the same without it.  Thank you SOMO for giving Tanner opportunities such as this to strive for.  What an amazing life he has.

Written by: Katie Lyle, Tanner’s sister and coach