Invercargill powerlifter Lynett Williams has won gold, silver and bronze at the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin (17-25 Jun).

Billed as the largest inclusive event in the world, the games attract up to 7000 athletics from 200 countries, 20,000 volunteers and an estimated 300,000 spectators.

Williams' winning performance of 105kg in the over 84kg class Deadlift secured her a gold medal, while her 50kg Women's squat and 40kg Bench Press earned her a silver and bronze respectively.

A late addition to the 39-strong New Zealand team, Williams was only told of the vacancy and her selection in December.

Williams continued her regular weekly training with Special Olympics powerlifting coach Sonia Manaena, but changed her diet to very good protein as she prepared for the games.

IDEA Services Support worker Melanie Vermeulen said that while Williams had had the stress of less time to prepare, she was very strong willed and "a powerhouse of a woman" with a passion for powerlifting.

"She said when I come home I'm going to have a medal around my neck."

"We were all really confident that she would do really well."

"She sent me a picture on Messenger and I think I had a bit of a tear, I was just so proud," Vermeulen said.

Williams' late selection had prompted an urgent need for $18,000 in travel funds.

Past Special Olympics Southland Board chair Donna Milne, who is also Williams' IHC volunteer friend/mentor, said she, and Ruvi Fernando and Melanie Vermeulen from IDEA Services basically got right onto it.

The group applied for and received support from the Community Trust South, Invercargill Licensing Trust and Ideal Services, as well as donations and goods from individuals and through their Give-a-little page.

"We've got a really strong local community that gets in behind everyone," Milne said.

"It was a massive effort for us all to get her away," but Williams had been beyond excited and was counting down the days.

"She was packed probably a week before she had to leave," Milne said.

While more fundraising would still be required once Williams returned home, Milne said it "was a chance of a lifetime, so we just had to make it happen".

"For an athletic with intellectual disabilities, these games just mean so much."

Milne said Williams had now medaled at both the nationals and on the international stage.

"You can't get much better than that."

CLICK HERE to view Special Olympics New Zealand facebook page.

CLICK HERE to contribute to Lynett's givealittle page