Sports have always been a big part of my family’s identity. My mother grew up a cheerleader and was surrounded by hockey most of her life thanks to her brothers. My dad did not play any sports, but he always looked forward to grabbing his copy of the Sports Illustrated magazine on Thursdays when he was younger.

Naturally, my siblings and I took on the sports gene that my parents handed down. 

My brother, Alex, is the only one who currently plays sports. I was immersed into the Special Olympics world when he first participated in 2016. My family and I all showed up in matching “Team Ogden Special Olympics” shirts and we were slathered in sunscreen to combat the boiling sun beaming down on us.

In his first ever event, he earned a bronze medal in speed walking. About an hour later, he threw up just outside of our family car.

Despite him getting sick, it was a moment that my family and I always reminisce on. My mom, sister and I were screaming louder than we ever had because my brother had squeezed his way into getting a medal. 

You have to be part of a public school or park district in order to participate, so Alex stopped once he graduated high school. 

In October 2024, he moved into Misericordia, an assisted living home for adults with special needs. Since then, he has been doing the Special Olympics as much as he can.

He has gotten 17 medals and 10 ribbons throughout the years in events like basketball skills, soccer skills, softball throw and speed walking. 

Watching my brother light up after something as simple as kicking a soccer ball, sinking a basket or power walking across the finish line fills me with pure joy.

On May 1, Alex participated in the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics at Soldier Field. Not many people are able to say they have walked on Soldier Field, so I am quite jealous of him. Even though I was not able to attend, seeing his exuberant energy through photos my mom sent to my family made my day. 

After he participates in events, his first words to us are always: “I’m tired.”

Moments like these remind me that anyone can play sports. We always see superstars like Shohei Ohtani, Victor Wembanyama and Lionel Messi, but we forget that normal, average people can play as well.

I quit sports at a young age because I had coaches who made it obvious that they did not want to coach young girls who were trying to give sports a shot.

The Special Olympics motto is: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” 

I wish I had heard this quote before I quit playing sports because it is a reminder that you are still allowed to have fun even if you fail. Whether you get a gold medal or do not place at all, it is still fun and a great opportunity to play.

Seeing how excited Alex gets over a ribbon or medal brings a smile to my face. 

The Special Olympics may not receive the same spotlight as professional sports, but because of Alex, it will always have a special place in my heart.

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