The 2024 Special Olympics Rhode Island Summer Games Will Leave an Everlasting Impact

Photo courtesy of Phlash Fotography & Artistry

“Not only did we change the life of those athletes, but also every single person in that audience witnessed that moment and will be thinking about it for days and weeks and months to come,” says Ed Pacheco, President and CEO of Special Olympics Rhode Island.

Over the weekend of May 31, athletes of all ages gathered at the University of Rhode Island to compete in the Special Olympics Rhode Island Summer Games. With events spanning from track and field to powerlifting, these athletes showcased their accomplishments after twelve months of rigorous training.

This year’s Olympic Games, according to Pacheco, stands out as one of the most memorable events in recent history, with a variety of new initiatives and contests being put in place. Thousands of volunteers, family, friends and fans gathered to watch the spectacle of the summer, which included swimming, track and field, soccer, powerlifting, bowling and lots of smiling faces.

In addition to the Summer Games, the organization hosts fundraisers, jamborees and tournaments all throughout the year, providing even more opportunities for athletes to try new sports and network with a supportive community.

In his second year as President and CEO, Pacheco notes that his involvement with Special Olympics has been one of his greatest accomplishments, saying how proud he is to be a part of this life changing organization.

Photo courtesy of Phlash Fotography & Artistry

“It is by far the best professional opportunity I have ever had in my lifetime, as I have the honor to work with the most inspiring athletes in the world right here in Rhode Island,” says Pacheco. “This organization is fueled on the joy that we see with our athletes and their families, and I continue to be humbled to be a part of this movement.”

The site of the games, spanning across URI’s Kingston Campus and into Wakefield, was centered around a decorated Olympic Village with vendors, an athlete red carpet and podiums for designated medal presentations.

Katelyn Lima and Summer Mason, both first-year athletes with the Coventry Oakers, finished with bronze medals in the 400-meter dash. Their post-performance excitement could be felt from across the venue.

“Honestly, my favorite part was every part,” says Lima. “I loved everything so much.”

Katelyn Lima (red shirt) at the summer games. Photo courtesy of Phlash Fotography & Artistry

The same sentiment of excitement beamed from Kie O’Donnell, a first-year head coach of the Fogarty Center Fighting Gulls. To him, coaching Special Olympic athletes is an irreplaceable sensation.

“People make connections here that go beyond the games, and we have a community out here that’s inclusive towards celebrating and embracing athletes’ passions and abilities,” says O’Donnell.

O’Donnell also spoke on the courage of athletes who want to try new sports. He says that although some events were not initially included in the Summer Games, such as powerlifting, the resilience of athletes and their drive to succeed will continue opening opportunities for new events.

According to O’Donnell, one exceptional group of people deserves heightened recognition: the Special Olympics volunteers.

“We need to thank them not just for [volunteering], but for the reason behind it.”

Photo by Leah Popovic

This year, for the very first time, Special Olympics Rhode Island offered an Athlete Leadership initiative, providing individuals with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to develop and demonstrate their leadership skills. Through the Athlete Leadership University, dozens of athletes displayed their capstone projects after a two-semester long course load.

Included in this initiative was the work of Mary Irons, a thirty-two-year-old athlete who has travelled to Alaska, Japan and South Korea with the help of Special Olympics. Christopher Lussier, an athlete who represented the United States at the World Summer Games in Athens, Greece, titled his project “Acceptance Among Us,” researching how Special Olympics Rhode Island promotes acceptance and a better quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

“All of those capstone projects are just another example of the amazing abilities of our athletes,” says Pacheco. “On the heels of this amazing event that we just concluded, we’ll be watching our first Athlete Leadership University cohort graduate around the corner.”

Plenty of celebratory events were embedded into this year’s games, including an expanded opening ceremony, athlete socials and congratulatory closing ceremonies.

To learn more about news and involvement with Special Olympics Rhode Island, visit their website or make a donation to support the cause.