Shayne Curtiss

Norwich, CT

Shayne Curtis is a Unified Sports® athlete from Norwich. He’ll participate in softball as a member of the team representing Connecticut at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.

Shayne has been involved in Special Olympics for 19 years. He used to hang around people who were negative influences, but says that Special Olympics has changed his life in profound ways. “When I am in Special Olympics, I know that I have true friends who are like family. I have role models and people who genuinely care about me,” says Shayne. 

Shayne’s biggest challenges are playing sports and trying not to get hurt. However, he is most proud of making his team, the New London Wildcats, as well as learning many life lessons. His biggest accomplishment was playing softball with Coach Pete Wagner in New Hampshire and earning a gold medal. He loves winning, but loves having a great time with his team even more. 

Shayne works at Smashburger in Waterford as a cook and his hobbies include fishing, horseback riding, volleyball, bowling, and playing video games. He admires his mother and his coach because they keep him out of trouble and teach him good things. He also admires his friends from Special Olympics as well as his kids. He is very funny and loves to make people laugh. 

Being a part of the USA Games means the world to Shayne. He participated in bowling at the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle, and is excited to play softball with his coach and teammates. To prepare, he has been practicing and trying to stay in good shape.