Global Messenger John Woods Finds Family Through Special Olympics
8.31.26
By: Mia Sansone, Communications and Public Relations Intern
For over thirty years, John Woods has found friendship and belonging through Special Olympics Connecticut.
Woods began participating in Special Olympics at the 1995 World Games in New Haven, where he officiated tennis matches. Since then, he’s held many roles within the organization. Woods is now a racewalker for the Special Olympics Central Shoreline team and a Global Messenger. While his personal journey with Special Olympics started when he was older, Woods has supported the organization since he was younger, when he would cheer on his twin brother, Walter, who was an athlete.
Woods said Special Olympics has brought him countless friends, and even introduced him to his girlfriend, Global Messenger Wendi Little. The impact of Special Olympics extends beyond athletic achievement; it offers an invaluable support system of people of all abilities. Woods has seen firsthand that it takes a village to make SOCT as “awesome” as it is. After 30 years with Special Olympics, Woods is proof of the community and inclusion the organization intends to offer.
“It’s like a family,” said Woods. “A family of friends, a family of athletes, a family of sponsors."
Woods didn’t always have a supportive community. When he was in school, Woods faced bullying from his classmates. He remembers overhearing his peers making fun of the special education room, where he would have class. Woods shared that he would come home crying to his parents every day after school because he did not feel accepted for who he was.
“People say things because they don’t understand,” said Woods.
Woods became a Global Messenger to help spread the word about Special Olympics. His goal is to inspire more people to become involved in Special Olympics by sharing his experience and sharing how the organization changed him. To Woods, Special Olympics means joining a group that accepts you as you are, whether you are a volunteer, athlete, coach or sponsor. When asked what the best thing about Special Olympics is, he simply said:
“Getting to see the happy faces of the athletes,” said Woods.