Amazing Athletes Week

Sports are for everyone! Sports have amazing potential to teach us so many life lessons about cooperation, perseverance, strength and personal achievement. With so many different sports and activities available, there are plenty of opportunities to match one's abilities, likes, and strengths. Whether it's soccer, bowling, swimming, running or tennis...all of these sports have the awesome ability to get our bodies moving and teach us about ourselves and others! Here are some inclusive athletes and activities that you can use to motivate and inspire!

John Howard is a professional mixed martial artist who received a late autism diagnosis at the same time his young daughter was also being diagnosed!! He always knew that he was different, and talks a lot about his struggles growing up in a world that didn't understand him. Since his diagnosis, his main priority has been role-modeling for kids growing up in the same situation he did. He knows how important it is to have a wide variety of inspirations as a kid, and now does lots of community engagement and advocating work for his daughter and kids all around the world!
“I think sports help with autism, I do. Help with confidence. Help with muscle tone. Help with coordination. In some situations the [athlete with autism] could even have an advantage. Because as someone with autism, you’re always calculating. You’re always trying to solve that puzzle. You have this survival pressure, where you are concentrating on getting out of the situation and not concentrating on anything else.”

Chelsea started gymnastics at 4 years old and has won 4 consecutive Special Olympic National Championships!! She's used her amazing work ethic and dedication to also start a career in the modeling world! Her new goal is to increase inclusion in the fashion industry. Just this year she's been featured in Target, H&M and New York Fashion Week!

“I'm a very positive person and don't see things as limitations. I'm pretty stubborn and work very hard. The way my parents raised me really made me feel good about myself. I have always loved being in front of the camera - that's where I got the nickname 'Showtime'. Whenever there is a camera or an audience I am at my best. I love being a role model! Many times I hear it from parents of young children. If I can help give anyone hope that makes me very happy and proud!"

Meet Team Hoyt! This father and son team have completed 1,130 races and triathlons together! Dick's son Rick was diagnosed with CP, and the two of them decided to start training to run in a short community race. They fell so in love with the sport that they continued to train for bigger events, and designed specialized chairs, boats and bicycles to allow for more inclusion in the racing world. Rick also received a degree from Boston University in Special Education and helped develop important communication tools and tech for people with disabilities in the '90's. This team is truly unstoppable!!
"We run for the people who think they can't. During every event, I feel like my disability has disappeared."