Robert “Bobby” Westlake of Midlothian, Texas, began participating with Special Olympics in 2018, joining the Corinthian Sailing Club as a Unified partner. He will represent Special Olympics USA as a Unified partner in sailing. Through his participation, Bobby has gained a fresh perspective of Special Olympics athletes and their capabilities. In the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023, he is proud to partner with athlete Tyler Dodson.
In 1939, Bobby’s late father, Al, won a scale model airplane competition at the New York World’s Fair at the age of 17. He would go on to serve in the European Theatre of World War II and become one of Bobby’s greatest role models. For Bobby, attending the World Games means an opportunity to see how daily life and aspirations are not very different from country to country. Now retired, Bobby was employed by Nissan for 25 years, managing off-lease marketing. Bobby volunteers with Habitat for Humanity. He also served as precinct chair and election judge for Cedar Hill, Texas, for 25 years. He is active in training on and off the water, preparing to race at the World Games.