Thank you
Your support of Special Olympics helps people with intellectual disabilities achieve their dreams. Learn how through their stories told here.
Greyson
Lake County, Florida
Participating in the Special Olympics Young Athlete program is helping Greyson discover all the incredible things he is capable of accomplishing. He loves learning from the older kids and reaching new milestones. Special Olympics has helped him learn to achieve his best and to celebrate everyone’s abilities.
Chace
Santa Rosa County, Florida
Practicing and competing in Special Olympics gymnastics is Chace’s favorite place to be. In her third year, Chace has already won a gold medal on floor exercise. Special Olympics has helped Chace improve in her strength, dexterity, agility, and has helped her to make new friends.
Devante
Taylor County, Florida
The one word that Devante uses to describe Special Olympics is AWESOME. He loves powerlifting with his coaches and other athletes. Through Special Olympics, he has learned how to push himself to reach new heights. Before Special Olympics, Devante felt lost, but now he knows he is not alone. The friends he has made through Special Olympics are now like family to him.
Quincy
Orange County, Florida
Quincy loves being a part of the Special Olympics Young Athletes program. Born at only 20 weeks, his parents cannot believe that this little fighter now has the opportunity to play sports. Special Olympics has been life-changing for Quincy who loves to run and play. His happiness is contagious to all who are around him.
Caleb
Duval County, Florida
Caleb began in the Special Olympics Young Athletes program and now participates in multiple sports. Through Special Olympics, Caleb has grown in his athletic and social skills. He has made many new friends through Special Olympics, and his smile charms everyone he meets.
Angel
Shelby County, Alabama
Angel is a spirited 14-year-old who is loved by everyone who meets her. She participates in Special Olympics bowling, track and field, and cheerleading. Last year Angel and her squad had the opportunity to cheer at the University of Alabama’s Bryant-Denny Stadium, which was the highlight of her year! Angel loves Special Olympics and being with her friends.
Kelley
Wake County, North Carolina
Kelley discovered the power of Special Olympics in 2003. Since then, she has competed in athletics, bocce, bowling and golf, winning numerous medals in each sport. But for Kelley, the medals aren’t the only thing that drives her. She loves meeting new people through Special Olympics and sharing her bubbly personality with them! Kelley believes so strongly in Special Olympics to be life changing that she will share her story with anyone she comes across, spreading the movement throughout her community.
Kole
Shelby County, Tennessee
Kole has been an athlete with Special Olympics for the past six years. Special Olympics has helped Kole be more outgoing and made him realized that he can do a lot more than he thought he could. It has given him courage to try new things and make many new friends. Kole has proven to be a wonderful example of what a Special Olympic athlete represents. His favorite sports are basketball and track and field.
Nikki
Dorchester County, South Carolina
Nikki loves competing in Special Olympics! She’s participated in several sports including ice skating and sailing, but she loves swimming and tennis the most. She’s been involved since age 8, and Special Olympics has helped bring out her personality. Special Olympics has boosted her confidence, and being recognized for a job well-done makes her feel great! She can be shy but when she is around her teammates, she loves to cheer them on! Her favorite thing about Special Olympics is getting medals.
Brooke
Forsyth County, Georgia
Brooke is a multi-medalist and competes in tennis, bowling, aquatics and bocce. She represented the United States at the 2015 World Games in aquatics. Her participation in Special Olympics has not only given her tremendous confidence, but also a sense of inclusion and a community of good sportsmanship and acceptance. With Special Olympics, Brooke is able to meet new friends and bond with teammates and fellow competitors, all while showcasing her champion through her incredible talents as an athlete.
Jessica
Onslow County, North Carolina
Jessica’s bright smile is always ready, and she loves sharing it with others. A Special Olympics athlete for more than two decades, Jessica has competed in basketball, bocce, bowling, equestrian, golf, soccer and softball, and aquatics. Her favorite Special Olympics experience was traveling to Puerto Rico in 2012 to compete in the Special Olympics World Aquatics Invitational where she made friends from many countries. Special Olympics has given Jessica so many opportunities to show off her skills, gifts, and smile!
Erick
Pasco County, Florida
Before participating in Special Olympics, Erick had no interest in sports, but now he loves competing in bowling, soccer, athletics, golf, basketball, and flag football. Special Olympics has helped Erick develop his independence and self-confidence. His favorite memory is going to State Summer Games where his team won a gold medal in soccer. Erick also enjoys drawing, playing video games, and riding rollercoasters.
James
Broward County, Florida
James has been competing in Special Olympics for more than four decades. He loves everything about Special Olympics and always has a fun time. He cannot remember what life was like before he was involved with Special Olympics. James has played basketball, bocce, bowling, softball, and volleyball. One of his favorite memories is going to Special Olympics events at the University of South Florida.
Micah
Spartanburg County, South Carolina
Micah has been involved with Special Olympics for five years and has competed in gymnastics, aquatics, and track and field. At the 2014 USA Games in New Jersey, Micah won three silver medals and a bronze medal in gymnastics. She loved staying on a college campus and seeing the Statue of Liberty. Micah continues to be involved with Special Olympics through her school.
Noah
Lake County, Florida
Noah loves being a part of the Special Olympics Young Athletes program. His gross motor skills have greatly improved through participating in Special Olympics. His proudest moment was the first time he completed the obstacle course. Noah’s parents are grateful for a place where their son can be understood and have fun.
Kyle
Duval County, Florida
During his six years as a Special Olympics athlete, Kyle has made many new friends. He loves playing and especially winning with his teammates. Kyle participates in flag football, bowling, basketball, and track and field. His hard work on and off the playing field have paid off and earned him several medals. Special Olympics has empowered Kyle to build his confidence and share his talents.
Eugene
Martin County, Florida
Between working at a restaurant and competing in Special Olympics cycling, surfing, equestrian, bowling, and swimming, Eugene is a busy man! He loves getting to know and befriending all of the coaches, volunteers, and athletes he meets through Special Olympics. For 38 years, Eugene has participated in Special Olympics and is a happier and healthier person because of his involvement.
Santiago
Miami-Dade County, Florida
Santiago is a star on the tennis court! He not only competes in Special Olympics, but he also played on his high school tennis team. This all-star athlete also demonstrates his athletic talents in powerlifting, basketball, and swimming. Santiago loves meeting new people, and Special Olympics has helped him become more outgoing and confident.
Chloe
Davidson County, Tennessee
Chloe has been an enthusiastic participant in many of the Special Olympics games, both at the local and state levels. She works hard training for each event and always has a huge fan section cheering her on to victory at competitions. Whenever Chloe is presented with a new sport, she is willing to learn and rises to the spirit of competition. Special Olympics has been and will always be an important part of Chloe's life!
Julius
Marion County, Florida
Julius loves the excitement of horseback riding in Special Olympics Equestrian competitions. This is his first year to participate in Special Olympics, but he has already made a mark on the horse trail. He has met many new friends through Special Olympics and always appreciates how they encourage him to do his best.
Danielle
Palm Beach County, Florida
Danielle cannot remember life without Special Olympics. Over the course of 14 years, she has competed in track, bowling, and equestrian. Her favorite memory is going to national games where she won a gold medal and flew in an airplane for the first time. In addition, Special Olympics has helped her develop new friendships and become a leader.
