Meet Employee Athlete Ambassadors, Sebastian Gylander | Empire Family of Brands Fundraising Campaign 2026

For Sebastian Gylander, being part of Special Olympics has never just been about sport. It has been about confidence, belonging, and discovering what he is capable of achieving both on and off the field of play. 

He first got involved at just eight years old, when his mom encouraged him to join. What started as a simple introduction to sport quickly grew into something that would shape his life in meaningful ways.  

Now 21, Sebastian competes in swimming and cross-country skiing while also working as a shelf stocker at his local IGA in Golden, British Columbia, where he has been employed for the past two and a half years. 

During his regular shifts, which take place three times a week, Sebastian helps stock shelves and unload deliveries. It is work he enjoys, but what stands out most to him is the environment around him. 

“The people I work with and the customers are what I enjoy most,” he says. 

That sense of connection and support has made his workplace an important part of his journey. As a Special Olympics athlete, Sebastian says he has always felt encouraged by those around him. 

His coworkers and managers play an essential role in supporting his athletic commitments as well, helping him balance work with training and competition. 

“My manager and staff are so supportive,” Sebastian says. “They give me any time off that I require for my races and they celebrate my successes.” 

For Sebastian, inclusion in the workplace is simple but powerful. 

That same sense of belonging has been a driving force throughout his Special Olympics experience, especially as he continues to push himself toward new goals. 

One of his proudest achievements came in March 2025, when he travelled overseas for the first time to compete at the Special Olympics World Games in Turin, Italy. There, he reached an incredible milestone by winning gold medals on the world stage. 

“It was my first time flying overseas,” he says. “Winning gold at the World Games was my greatest accomplishment.” 

Moments like that reflect the meaning behind this year’s Empire Family of Brands fundraising campaign message, “Every best is personal.” 

For Sebastian, that message is about giving your best effort in everything you do. 

“It means it is about the best you can do,” he says. 

That mindset extends beyond sport. One of his personal bests came through his academic journey. After graduating high school, Sebastian chose to continue his education at his local college, upgrading his subjects and challenging himself along the way. 

“I had to try, and that was my personal best because I did it,” he says proudly. 

Outside of competition and work, Sebastian continues to focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Through Special Olympics Healthy Athletes programming, he has learned more about nutrition and wellness, something he incorporates into his daily routine. 

A favourite go-to for him is a homemade smoothie made with protein powder, peanut butter powder, yogurt, milk, and blueberries, helping him stay fuelledfor both work and training. 

Sebastian understands firsthand the impact that access to sport and supportive environments can have. That is why he encourages others to support Special Olympics athletes through initiatives like the Empire Family of Brands in-store fundraising campaign. 

“They should donate to help support athletes with intellectual disabilities that might not ever receive the chance to participate in sports,” he says. 

He also speaks to the importance of inclusion in both sport and community, noting that many individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities face barriers to participation or opportunities to belong. 

“We can be isolated and bullied by persons not understanding us,” he explains. “Opportunities are not always open to us to participate.” 

Through Special Olympics, those barriers are replaced with connection, confidence, and community. 

For anyone considering getting involved, Sebastian’s advice is simple and heartfelt.