District 131 Senior To Compete At Special Olympics State Competition

AURORA, IL — After winning a gold medal in squatting and deadlifting events, a senior at East Aurora High School will advance to the state competition for powerlifting in the 2022 Special Olympics.

Alex Mota will compete at the state competition taking place at Illinois State University June 17-19.

Geoffrey Adler, a special education resource teacher at Beaupre Elementary School, has worked with the student for two and a years in the sport and has watched him grow and exemplify determination throughout training, he said.

Adler said the Special Olympics website's description of powerlifting — one that highlights "the athlete's inner wish to improve, not to make compromises" — is accurate of Mota's character and determination, according to a District 131 news release.

"I am so proud of him. He worked so hard and accomplished so much," Adler said in a statement.

District 131 officials are also proud of the student's achievements.

"Alex will represent the self-determination and drive we associate with our best Tomcat students–East Aurora 131 is incredibly proud to see Alex off on this new venture," officials said in a statement.