A Special Olympics Story: Chris Nikic (below) about Special Olympics Florida athlete Chris Nikic, just won the grand prize at the Budva Sports & Arts Film festival- BSAFF in Montenegro. It also won for best direction. Special Olympics Montenegro submitted the short because Chris’ father Nik was born in Montenegro and still has family there. The short documentary claimed the top honor out 35 films entered from 15 countries.
The film, executive produced by Sydnye White, Vice President of Content and Storytelling at Special Olympics International and produced by the production company Wrong Creative, gives viewers an inside look at what propelled Chris to become the first IRONMAN with Down Syndrome.
As the winner, the film will compete at the Sports Movies & TV awards finale hosted by the World Ficts Challenge Worldwide Championship of Cinema, Television and Sports Culture (20 Festivals in the 5 Continents) in Milan during the second week of November. The Championship is recognized by the IOC (International Olympic Committee) for excellence in sports storytelling through film and video.
UPDATE: On 27 August 2023, the film won Best Short Documentary at 12th International Sports Film Festival in Zlatibor, Serbia.
