Special Olympian overcomes challenges to compete in World Games

LOS ANGELES -- Anwar Smaka, 13, is a member of the Syrian Delegation at the Special Olympics World Games, and the athlete has overcome insurmountable odds.

The head of the Syrian Delegation told Eyewitness News that Anwar's village in Syria was bombed and his home was destroyed. His father remains in the hospital.

Anwar sustained injuries in the bombing, but not anything severe enough to prevent him from traveling to Los Angeles to compete.

On the way to the World Games, Anwar lost his luggage and is competing with a borrowed helmet and skates. But nothing can stop him from taking to the rink and skating in the 30 meter competition.

To learn more about Anwar's journey, watch Ellen Leyva's report above.