Special Olympics West Mids Ski Group athlete Marcus Mason Williams has been named in the national Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 list for 2024.
Marcus, who lives in Barnt Green in Worcestershire and is autistic, has been involved in the Special Olympics Great Britain (GB) movement for nearly 15 years and has competed in many skiing competitions across Europe, including this year’s National Winter Games in Folgaria, Italy.
He has been recognised in the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 list for his impact, innovation and influence in changing the perceptions and stereotypes of disability.
Since 2021, Marcus has been running his own business, which combines his passion for wildlife and nature with art. Called CoolArt2021, his online shop sells a range of colourful, wildlife-themed greetings cards and merchandise.
He has also published two children’s books and has been part of three of Unified Business Programmes with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, which sees Special Olympics GB athletes develop and implement their entrepreneurial skills to develop products. To date, Marcus has supported the development of Christmas gift boxes for Special Olympics GB corporate partners, snoods and drinks bottles for athletes participating at the 2024 National Winter Games and a lanyard for athletes competing for Team Special Olympics GB at the Berlin 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games.
I am honoured to be included on this list. For me business isn’t always about money; it's about trying to play your part, trying to make the world a better place and also trying to inspire others.
“This is not the finish line, my friends. This is the start of the race. The future is the finish line and our combined skills and geniuses, working together, are just the thing to get us there.
“I am proud to work with my fellow Special Olympics GB athletes as part of the Unified Business Project - we can do more together.”
Special Olympics GB uses the power of sport to transform the lives of children and adults with an intellectual disability. Operating in England, Scotland and Wales, the charity has more than 6,600 athletes benefitting from opportunities in 27 different sports, which are delivered by a devoted team of 3,800 volunteers.
The Shaw Trust runs the Disability Power 100 to raise the profile of disabled talent and challenge the disability employment gap head-on.
Head of Disability Power 100, Alona De Havilland, says: “The Disability Power 100 is all about creating change, it celebrates ambition and achievement, and plays a role in challenging society’s perceptions of disability by recognising the strengths, contributions and successes of 100 disabled individuals each year.
“It celebrates disabled roles models in all sectors from architecture to construction; finance to healthcare; transport to music. It is a rallying cry to future generations of leaders and a call for employers and society to recognise the talents and skills of disabled people.”
The full list of 2024 finalists can be found at www.disabilitypower100.com.