Julia Kostecki is a remarkable young woman who lives and thrives with Down Syndrome.

Julia represented Canada at the Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi in 2019. She competed against 80 athletes from around the world and brought home 6 Gold Medals as a Level 1 Rhythmic Gymnast.

If she looks familiar, you may have recently seen her in a broadcast PSA as an Ambassador for Donovan Bailey’s national initiative, Pass The Baton Canada (Passer le témoin Canada). During the past summer, with COVID-19 restrictions in place, Julia passionately engaged members of her community to walk with her – together – 1 on 1 – helping to empower other young people with disabilities. She raised $1192 in support of youth charities, making her efforts one of the single largest donations for the charity. Her remarkable story was featured on CTV National News.

In June of 2019, she appeared in a national print ad for a partnership between the Special Olympics Committee and Sobeys. She has appeared in countless print campaigns and is a consummate pro.

Those who know Julia, also know of her passion for dance music. Twice a month, Julia takes part in Feel Good Music Fridays: these are streamed dance parties, often where Julia encourages her friends to participate to dance and enjoy life. A friend, a mentor, who always reaches out to those in need, to lend an ear of support, Julia is the epitome of kindness and compassion. She is not afraid to speak out against bullies and she always looks for the good in people.

Ask Julia what item she cannot live without and it’s one word “Apple” as in her Apple Computer, her iPhone, her iPad, her music streaming… Apple has given Julia the freedom of expression which she uses to share her “Can-Do” messages with fellow “Butterflies.” (The Butterfly symbolizes many qualities that we admire in people with Down Syndrome and has become the accepted term and image for Down Syndrome awareness.)

With all this attention, Julia remains very grounded and down-to-earth, your average girl next door: she loves her family, her friends, donuts, a burger with fries, a girl who loves makeup and baseball. Julia exudes pure joy in everything she does: being in her presence, one cannot help but smile. Inclusive. Authentic. Engaging.