Award winner (2025)13th June 2025
Championing inclusion through sport, health, and enterprise
Michael Beynon’s life is a testament to resilience, courage, and boundless generosity. Born with Down Syndrome, right-sided cerebral palsy, and a visual impairment, Michael defied medical expectations that predicted a life in a wheelchair. Instead, he has become a Guinness World Record holder, Special Olympics medallist, award-winning entrepreneur, and tireless advocate for people with learning disabilities.
His dedication to promoting physical activity and wellbeing among individuals with learning disabilities has transformed lives and inspired communities across Wales. Michael leads by example, demonstrating that—with the right support—no challenge is too great.
A Role Model in Motion
As a Mencap Myth Buster, Michael regularly visits schools and community groups, sharing his sporting achievements and entrepreneurial story to ignite ambition in others. His influence has directly led to increased participation of people with learning disabilities in Parkruns, local running clubs, and community walking groups. Moreover, many have followed in his footsteps by turning hobbies into thriving micro-businesses.
Among his many accolades in sport, Michael has earned:
- 10 Gold and 23 Silver National Medals
- 1 Gold and 4 Silver European Championship Medals
- 1 Silver Medal at the Special World Olympic Games
- Four-time London Marathon finisher
His proudest achievement came in October 2024, when he became the first person with a learning disability and visual impairment to complete 100.17km in one week, securing a Guinness World Record. During this remarkable journey, he united communities across Wales through inclusive events, inspiring young and old with his endurance, spirit, and advocacy.
Breaking business barriers
Michael’s commitment to inclusion extends beyond athletics. In 2018, he launched Coal Pit Welsh Cakes, a business inspired by family recipes and the mining heritage of Ammanford. With only a £50 budget, he turned his passion into a successful enterprise, earning the Great Taste Gold Star Awards and the “One to Watch” Entrepreneur of the Year in 2022.
His entrepreneurial story left a lasting impression on students at Derwen College for young adults with special educational needs and disabilities. After hearing him speak, many students expressed new confidence and ambition to pursue their own business ventures.
Rotary trailblazer and advocate
For seven years, Michael has served as the only Rotarian with a learning disability in District 1108. He is an active club member, engaging in fundraising, youth mentoring, and community judging events. His presence has sparked positive structural changes, making Rotary meetings more accessible and inclusive.
In 2024, he was invited to speak at the District Conference, where he shared practical steps on welcoming more members with learning disabilities—a bold and thoughtful challenge to the status.
Honours and Recognition
Michael’s exceptional contributions have been widely celebrated:
- S4C Person of Courage 2022
- Five-time Disabled Sportsman of the Year, Carmarthenshire
- Guinness World Record holder
- Inspirational figure for Mencap, Run Wales, and Rotary
- Leaders Awards winner 2025
He is not only a high achiever but also a connector, building bridges between people, advocating for inclusion in every sphere of life, and proving that disability is no barrier to greatness.
The heart of a community hero
Whether running marathons, mentoring students, or baking Welsh cakes, Michael does it all with unwavering passion and purpose. He believes in the potential of every individual, especially those with learning disabilities, and fights daily to ensure they have equal opportunities.
We asked Michael what it means to be a 2025 Leaders’ Award winner
When I found out I was really surprised and felt very honoured and humbled.
As for the future Michael has lots on the horizon and is committed to his training:
I’m really excited to take part in a triathlon next year in Nottingham. I’ll be swimming, cycling, and running.
Sport is a fun way to stay healthy, even if you don’t always win. Running makes me feel happy, and I’d encourage others to give it a go.
I also want to keep giving talks to students about sport and business. I want to help people understand how to be more inclusive.
Michael Beynon is much more than an award nominee—he is a movement in himself. A movement of inclusion, determination, and hope. He embodies the very values this award seeks to honour: altruism, innovation, community spirit, and relentless courage.