It is our choices that show what we truly are far more than our abilities.

Dont let people trick you, bully you, tell you what you wont be, Anthony Ianni changed that, he had autism as a kid, people thought he couldnt be in sports, couldnt go to college, and they thought he would be a target for bullying, It was true, When anthony was a kid he was bullied because of autism, and how different he was, But anthony had a 6th grader stand up to him, help him so bullies wouldnt bully him, but that 6th grader turned on him, tricked him to lick ice, that 6th grader bullied him, turned on him that guy used to call him brother, but now he was the bully to him. But anthony didnt care, But anthony grew more and at one point his friends were bullied by three boys, anthony hated it, Heres what anthony said to them " Woah woah, where you going? If you think you call bully, bully me i dare you come on." Then they looked at each other and the first one was like really? They walked away, But anthony went up to them again and said " Come on i dare you, bully me, come on im right here." Later Anthony played basketball and that same 6th grader from 17 years ago came up to me and wanted his autograph, but anthony just talked normally with him, but when that was over anthony started laughing. He was laughing even more, that same 6th grader that turned on him wanted his autograph later in life, but im guessing that 6th grader didnt know that is was him. Later then the three kids that bullied anthonys friends called and they said " Yea, we work for your friends and we feel sorry." Anthony said " Really? Well you bullied the and now im glad you work for them, Have a nice life you three..." And put the phone down.

Anthony Ianni Was a life changer.


Anthony Ianni, of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, is one of the most sought after anti-bullying motivational speakers in the region.

At the age of 4 Anthony was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), which is on the Autism Spectrum (ASD). Doctors and specialists told Anthony’s parents that he would barely graduate from high school, would never graduate from college, would never have a shot at being an athlete and would likely live in a group institution with other Autistic kids for his adult life. His family was devastated but pledged they would help Anthony be successful no matter what.

And he is. Despite bullies, adversity and numerous personal challenges Anthony worked hard and never gave up. Not only did he earn his Bachelor’s Degree from Michigan State University in Sociology he is the first known athlete with autism to play Big 10 basketball. Anthony played for legendary coach Tom Izzo while at MSU. He won two Big Ten Championships, a Big Ten Tournament Title, was the recipient of the 2011 Tim Bograkos Walk On Award and the 2012 Unsung Player Award, and was also a member of the 2010 Final Four team.

Anthony has pledged his life and career to help those who face similar challenges. He has been invited to tell his story and share his message across the country and has inspired countless individuals to “LYD”- Live Your Dreams. And it’s only just begun…. He’s only 25!

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