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My name is Arlene Warzecha and I am Brodin’s mom.  I would like to take a moment to share with you a bit of what Brodin’s life was like before Special Olympics became such an important part it.

Around 5th or 6th grade, Brodin started to become aware that he wasn’t able to perform at the same level as his peers. He came home from school one day and said he didn’t want to play kickball anymore with his peers at recess.He told me that his classmates were just too competitive and he couldn’t kick the ball hard enough or run fast enough, so he kept getting an “out” for his team.  This broke my heart, because Brodin was beginning to have a real interest in sports and more importantly he was wanting to engage more with his classmates. Although we spoke with his teachers and the school psychologist there were no other sport options available for kids like Brodin. The solution was Brodin played 4 square with younger kids while his classmates played kickball and basketball.  

Brodin also did Taekwondo for many years. My husband and I didn’t care what color belt Brodin achieved. This was Brodin’s PT and confidence building. Brodin did Taekwondo for most of his elementary school years and did earn his high Brown belt. But just like in middle school, Brodin realized that he couldn’t perform at the same skill level as other kids with the same belt color. Brodin’s peers were bigger now and the kicks were harder and sometime the kicks were to the head. So Brodin, bruised both physically and emotionally, stopped wanting to go to Taekwondo. This was another loss for Brodin.  

When Brodin started his freshman year at Norwich Free Academy, he was introduced to the Special Olympic Unified Sports® program with Coach Staley.  He was very excited to join the Unified soccer team and social group. After a few practices with his teammates and new partner friends like Gavin, Brodin came home smiling and stated, “Mom, I’m  only going to do Unified Sports and group. I love it." And he meant it.   

Special Olympics provides a safe space for individuals like my son to be themselves. A place where everyone’s ability is honored  and celebrated.  A place where friendships are made and memories can be cherished.  And the best part of the Special Olympics program is that all this is available to individuals with Intellectual disabilities (ID) from pre-K through high school and continuing into adulthood - for the rest of their lives!

There are so many  individuals like Brodin, who greatly benefit in so many ways from this organization. As a parent of a child with an ID, I can’t imagine how lonely and isolated my son’s life would be without  the support of Special Olympics.