Autism Alliance of Michigan advocate, motivational speaker, and basketball player Anthony Ianni is in the running for a Game changer of the year award.
The public vote is open here and Anthony was nominated by community members, because of his service, dedication and advocating in the Autism Community. This award is for the unsung heroes of Michigan, and awarded through the Come Together Program, and the Detroit Pistons.
Voting runs from September 30, 2013 at 12:00 p.m. until October 18, 2013 at 12:00 a.m., Eastern Standard Time. Final fan voting to establish winner for the Come Together Game Changer of the Year.
Autism Daily Newscast featured Anthony and his amazing attitude towards eradicating the word “bully” from the dictionary back in August. Anthony was diagnosed as having an ASD at age five, and was told by doctors that he would ‘never amount to anything’ in his career and that he would probably spend his adult life living in assisted care.
On May 5 this year Anthony gained a degree in Sociology from Michigan State University. At six foot nine, he was teased relentlessly about his height through out his high school years, but he turned it around and plays for Michigan State Spartans basketball team.
He became a motivational speaker and advocate for the Autism Alliance of Michigan last year. since then he campaigns by visiting schools in an attempt to educate children and eradicate bullying. He said:
I want kids to be able to live their dreams, and judging from feedback I’ve had at my sessions from letters I get afterwards from kids who have been bullied, from bullies themselves, even from parents and teachers, I really feel like I’m helping them change their views.”
Click here to vote for Anthony! Good luck!