"Embrace self-confidence as a foundation, counseled Tyrone Pillay in the realm of Athlete Stories."
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Tyrone Pillay, a 13-year employee at Toyota South Africa Motors, is more than just a Para athlete and a Bronze medal Paralympian from the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Paralympic Games in Shot-Put. He is an avid cricket fan, children's mentor, and a beacon of hope for those facing challenges.
Born with an impairment in his left leg, Pillay's early years were marked by bullying and mockery. However, his family treated him as a regular child, and he lived his life similarly to most able-bodied kids. It was his father who taught him the importance of teamwork and independence. When Pillay's prosthetic leg broke as a child, his father refused to help, instilling in him the values of self-reliance and resilience.
Pillay started viewing his prosthetic leg as a gift around 2009, and this shift in perspective propelled him to become an ambassador for "Jumping Kids", a non-profit organisation that provides prosthetics for South African children living with lower extremity amputations. He has been a part of this organisation since 2009.
In 2011, Pillay began mentoring kids and youth with amputations at Open Air School, supporting around 200 kids. His goal is to share his striving spirit and his success in overcoming challenges, especially to motivate kids with impairments.
Pillay believes that educating people about people with impairments and showcasing the Paralympics can help change society's perspective towards impairments. He considers the Paralympics as life-changing, as it made him feel accepted and treated as an individual equal to others. Pillay represented South Africa at international competitions before winning a bronze medal at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Pillay's journey to Tokyo 2020 has been touched by the growing support from his Toyota colleagues around the world. He finds Toyota as a great place to work and a place where he can learn more values. Pillay is proud to support Toyota's mission in providing "Mobility for All", as he believes mobility is freedom, choice, and opportunity.
Believing in oneself is the most important thing to start one's impossible, according to Pillay. His father made him learn the importance of teamwork by forcing him to sit out several games and be a water boy. Pillay's family, especially his parents, are his role models and the reason he is the person he is now.
Pillay's story is a testament to the power of resilience, self-belief, and the importance of teamwork. He continues to inspire many, not just as a Para athlete, but as a beacon of hope and a symbol of perseverance.
