I'm focused on
Finding opportunities for inclusion
Like so many Special Olympics athletes before him, Gold Medalist Josh Myers has found community through competition.
For Special Olympics of South Carolina athlete Josh Myers, powerlifting is about so much more than showing off your strength.
“It’s a different sport than soccer or basketball,” the gold medalist says. “It’s about hard work, determination, discipline — it’s a mental sport.”
Like so many Special Olympics athletes before him, Josh has found a strong sense of purpose — as well as a strong, supportive community — through competition. His mother Patti, a longtime coach for the Special Olympics, says that the games offer athletes with intellectual disabilities unparalleled opportunities for connection.
"It’s just a bond that you can’t explain unless you are a part of Special Olympics."
“It’s just a bond that you can’t explain unless you are a part of Special Olympics,” the special education teacher says. “You’ve got to be a part of it to feel that bond, to feel that love.”
Spirit of Inclusion
Kara Harmon, the Director of Communications for Special Olympics of South Carolina, says that athletes like Josh benefit tremendously from the inclusive spirit of their competitions — and that this spirit of inclusion extends to the organization’s health and education programs, too.
“Sports are our foundation, but we’re also about health and education,” she says. “Our Healthy Athletes program trains current and future healthcare professionals on how to work with this population.”
The program fosters a culture of inclusion in their professional health practices, benefiting all patients — particularly those living with intellectual disabilities.
From its community programs to its competitions, Special Olympics’ commitment to inclusivity is clear. What’s also clear is the positive effect that this commitment has had on participating athletes.
Josh Myers, who is now entering his fourth decade as a Special Olympics athlete, has taken the organization’s inclusive mission to heart. When asked what advice he has for younger athletes who might want to be like him, his message is clear.
"Be yourself. Do your very best. Listen to your coaches. And, most importantly, just have fun."
“Be yourself,” he says. “Let’s just say be yourself. Do your very best. Listen to your coaches. And, most importantly, just have fun. That’s all I have to say about that.”
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