Athlete Spotlight

Meet Tony Massa- Generous Friend and Adventurer

When you first meet Special Olympic athlete Tony Massa, it might not be apparent that he is anything but a typical 25-year-old who holds a good job, enjoys hanging out with his girlfriend and playing video games when he’s not playing sports.

Standing at 5 foot 9 inches tall at 190 pounds, Tony also is quite the adventurer as he will be the only Special Olympic athlete to rappel 38-stories from the top of the Grand Hyatt at our inaugural Over the Edge fundraising event this weekend.

But Tony and his family have had their share of trials as they learned how best to manage his mental illness and developmental challenges. As a young child, Tony was mainstreamed with his peers in elementary school but had difficulty keeping up. His short-term memory remains a challenge today, requiring lots of repetition before instruction will stick. Tony was diagnosed at age 11 with schizophrenia and
the ensuing hospital stays were really tough before physicians, therapists and his medical team figured out the formula to bring Tony back to a life of stability and quality.

“He’s a very happy kid, but can’t extrapolate too far into the future,” says his dad, Ken. “He lives independently and continues to take steps learning how to take care of things – right now we are working on how to use a credit card.”

Special Olympics was a part of that solution, according to Tony’s father, who also happens to be his softball coach and life coach. “Special Olympics has given him confidence and self-esteem and let him become all he can be.”

Tony has competed in Special Olympics since 2001, participating in basketball, bocce, swimming, floor hockey and his favorite, softball. As an outfielder with the Southside Gang of Santa Clara County, Tony can shag balls as well as anyone, bats line drives and practices hard while taking pride in being a team player.

Off the field, Ken is just as proud of his son. He has been employed by Pawin’ Around Dog Day Care and Boarding in San Jose for the last three years, where his boss is thrilled with his work ethnic and the fact that he hasn’t missed a minute of work. Tony also constantly takes care of his friends, buys them dinner or takes them to a movie. “Tony always spares it if he thinks he can, and he never looks for payback,” Ken adds.

Lately Tony has been talking a lot about his rappelling adventure in San Francisco to friends and relatives. Even-tempered and fearless, he is looking forward to this new adventure. (He has had some experience rappelling and enjoys climbing rocks.) He will be wearing a red jersey that says “Rappel 2010, Tony Massa, Fearless Olympian.”

Tony’s Dad will be watching and cheering him on, as always. “I consider myself the luckiest man in the world. My son is a good man!”

Meet Spencer Trevarthen- Committted Swimmer and Teammate

Spencer developed seizures at the age of six months and was diagnosed with a very rare disorder known as Infantile Spasms. Ever since that fateful day, Spencer has been following a path of developmental inputs and inclusionary experiences designed to help him lead the most productive and normal life possible.

Spencer has been mainstreamed in his educational pursuits since first grade. The fear of Spencer being taken advantage of by his classmates has evolved into a complete opposite experience. Spencer’s jovial personality has proven contagious. His peers protect him, and they look out for him.

Spencer, 18, has nurtured a love of music with both singing and piano lessons. He also has developed a fondness for athletics and has been involved with organized as well as individual sports. His enthusiasm for participating on an 8th grade basketball team sparked a magical moment when he entered a game and was allowed to score several baskets. The opposing team, the refs and the parents in the gym all realized what was occurring and rose in applause to support the exchange between the kids on the floor.

(That moment literally prompted Spencer’s coach – a student at St. Mary’s College at the time – to change his major to special education. Coach Andrew has since gone on to create a non-profit company that develops participatory programs for kids with special needs.)

As with the majority of the athletes who participate in Special Olympics, Spencer just wants to belong and be appreciated for his accomplishments. Special Olympics has allowed Spencer to be part of something that provides access to opportunities he would not likely get as part of his everyday existence. Spencer has learned the idea of being a teammate. He is keenly aware of his swim dates and understands the need to practice to get better. And, most importantly, he has gained a strong sense of pride by being involved in Special Olympic activities. That plays out in the support he generates from his friends and family for the annual Polar Bear Plunge.

Spencer is a true embodiment of Special Olympics and the spirit it evokes among its community of athletes, volunteers and supporters.

Meet Susie Enos - Champion, Hero and Friend

Susie told the following story to more than 200 guests at Special Olympics 2010 Celebrity Winterfest.

When I was born, my mom and dad were so happy.  They had two sons and were so glad to have a baby girl.  But their happiness was short-lived when they found out that I had Down syndrome.  Forty one years ago when I was born, people did not talk much about such things, and it never occurred to my mom and dad that they would not have a perfect baby like everyone else. 

It was not uncommon for people like me to be placed in institutions to live out their lives.  My mom and dad did not know much about Down syndrome, and they were scared of what lay ahead.  But the one thing they knew for sure was that they would take me home and do the best they could for me. 

It was not long before my mom and dad realized that their fear had turned to love and that I was perfect just the way I was.  Now they say that I am the best thing that ever happened to them and they are very proud of me!

One of the best things that ever happened in my life was getting involved in Special Olympics.  It is so important to me.  I have been involved for so many years, it seems like I have been in Special Olympics all my life.  When I was young there were not many activities for special needs kids.  I did not have many friends of my own and spent most of my time with my family.  I saw other kids with friends and wanted to have friends too. 

The minute I joined Special Olympics, my whole world changed.  For the first time, I was accepted just the way I was! Nobody made fun of me.  Nobody called me "stupid" or "retard".  Now people called me Champion, Athlete, Hero and Friend. The coaches made me feel welcome and part of a team.  I’ve met so many wonderful people, and now I have wonderful friends of my own.

People think that Special Olympics is a one-day track meet.  In fact, until this weekend, some of you in this room may have been one of those people.  But it is so much more.  Special Olympics is not about who can ski the fastest or hit the ball the farthest.  It is about having the chance to do your best and for respecting each other’s efforts.  Special Olympics is training for life. 

Special Olympics has taught me to always do my best and be a good team player.  I have learned to encourage others and always show good sportsmanship.  I have learned to never doubt myself, even when others may.  All these lessons have made me a good athlete but more importantly they have helped me to be a good employee and a valuable member of the community.
Special Olympics has proven to be the Civil Rights movement for people like me.  As Eunice Kennedy Shriver said, we have earned the right to play on any playing field, we have earned the right to go to any school, we have earned the right to hold a job and we have earned the right to be your neighbor. 

Now the next time you see me or one of my friends sitting alone, you will sit down beside us when no one else will.  Now the next time you see me standing in line at a store you will not look away and pretend I am not there, but will say “Hi!”   You will not be afraid to be my friend.  Now the next time you hear the word retard, you will remember me.  The next time you hear the R-word you will think of us and know that when we hear that word, we hear it differently. 

Some of you who are here this weekend probably did not know a thing about Special Olympics.  But now you do.  Now you know that we enjoy the same things you do, we like to go out with friends, we like going to movies and watching sports but most importantly we want to be respected and accepted just the way we are.  We hope we have changed your life like Special Olympics has changed ours.   As you have heard many times, Special Olympics does all of this for FREE.   No one does anything for FREE anymore but Special Olympics is still determined to be free to all and never turn an athlete away. 

Being an athlete is a very big and important part of our lives.  We couldn’t do it without your support.  I am so proud to call you my friends.  When you go home after this wonderful weekend, please remember the words of Eunice Kennedy Shriver and be the next generation of champions for people like me.  On behalf of Special Olympics athletes from Northern California and Nevada – thank you for caring and making such a difference in our lives!

Meet Candy Agpawa (aka the Silver Bullet)

My name is Candy Agpawa. I was born with a rare combination of Hydrocephalus and a cleft lip and palate. The doctors did not give my family much hope as to my mental or physical development. There were not many events or activities for special needs kids. I did not have friends of my own. I mostly traveled around with my parents to all my brothers’ and sisters’ social and sporting activities. I always felt there was something missing in my life.

So with the help of a wonderful team of doctors and surgeons and the excellent programs that Special Olympics has to offer, I have come to realize that I can live a normal, healthy, active life. The coaches and volunteers in Special Olympics gave me the courage to try new things and to trust myself. My mom pushed me to my maximum potential. She made sure that I was self reliant, that I could hold down a full time job, and that I could function to my fullest capacity in this “Normal World”. I know now that there is a bright future ahead of me.

Special Olympics has given me the opportunity to try new things, go many places and feel good about my accomplishments. Because of Special Olympics people respect me. They admire me for my commitment and determination to succeed. People call me things like “athlete,” “hero,” and “champion.” My favorite sport is swimming. I swim the 100 meter, the 400 meter freestyle and I am the anchor on the relay team. I wear a silver swim cap and swim so fast that my mom calls me “THE SILVER BULLET!!!”

I have met so many new people and made so many fantastic new friends of my own. We have a lot of fun and always cheer for each other when we compete. Special Olympics has become a very important part of my life. All of my family is proud of me. I love to look up at them in the stands and see them cheering for me.

I could not be any of these things without the support of people like you. Special Olympics does not charge athletes any fees to participate. I don’t know of any other organization in the country that offers sports programs for free. But we could not do it without the generosity of people like you.

But you need to know that you are supporting more than a sports program. Special Olympics is so much more than sports. Sure we learn sports skills, but what we really learn are life skills. Special Olympics is TRAINING FOR LIFE! The skills we athletes learn by participating in Special Olympics will help each one of us become an important and contributing member of our community. So if you think you are just donating to another sports organization, think again. You are supporting an organization that changes lives directly impacting your local community

Growing Up With Special Olympics

Meet Mike Bailey

Mike is like any 28-year-old today with a crazy schedule, juggling his work, college studies and multiple sports. Yet there is something more you should know about him. Mike was born with Down syndrome and has been an avid Special Olympics athlete since he was a child.  

Mike at his first competition at age 7

When Dave and Karen Bailey, parents of Special Olympics San Jose athlete Mike Bailey, were given the official news that Mike had Down syndrome, they were crushed. They thought many of their dreams were shattered. However, after joining a Down syndrome support group, they were encouraged to enroll Mike in an early intervention program. Thereafter, the years started rolling by.

At age seven Mike attended grammar school at Garden Gate Elementary where his teacher, Sylvia Machamer, suggested he get involved in Special Olympics. Karen and Dave decided to take her advice and now say, "it was most likely one of, if not the most important decision we ever made for Mike."

Friendships and Physical Conditioning

According to Dave and Karen, Special Olympics has provided Mike the opportunity for lifelong physical conditioning and socialization, as well as helped him build great friendships.

Today, Mike participates year round in a variety of sports from bocce ball to powerlifting. He enjoys every minute.   One of the many highlights of his life came when Mike received a letter notifying him that he was selected as the San Jose Sports Authority 2007 Special Olympian of the Year. He later learned that he would be recognized at the Hall of Fame dinner along with Brian Boitano, Mark Spitz and several other notable San Jose area athletes. It didn't end there. Mike also was invited to ride in the Grand Marshall's car for the NBC 11 Holiday Parade in San Jose.

At age 27  Mike carries the Torch

Still, there was more to come. Mike's latest thrill was an invitation to run one leg of the Olympic Torch Run Relay in San Francisco to celebrate the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. He was selected to run with former Gold Medal Swimming Olympian Mark Henderson. After the run was over, Mark wrote us a letter: "It was one of the most rewarding things I've ever witnessed and participated in." His torch partner, Mark Henderson reported that "Mike's constant laughter and proclamations that 'we are heroes' kept everyone smiling." We think most people would agree that Mike embodied the true excitement of what the torch represents.

Needless to say, if it weren't for being born with Down syndrome, Mike and his family would certainly be in a different place. But Mike and his family are not missing out on a life filled with challenge, accomplishment, excitement, lifelong friendships and the opportunity to be part of a great organization like Special Olympics.  

Meet Quentin Shaw

At the age of five Quentin's life took a dramatic change when he started having seizures that severely impacted his ability to go to school or participate in any kind of activities. Those seizures were eventually brought under control, but only as a result of three brain surgeries and dozens of combinations of medications.

In spite of his disabilities, and surgeries that left him with limited use of his right leg and no use of his right arm, Quentin's natural ability and love of sports did not diminish. Still, his physical disabilities and learning disabilities meant Quentin could no longer able to participate in mainstream sporting activities.

At 10 years old, Quentin discovered Special Olympics. Track and field was Quentin's first sport and introduced him to the supportive yet competitive world of Special Olympics. But soccer was always Quentin's favorite sport, and he quickly gravitated to the Half Moon Bay soccer team coached by Bob Salera.　To this day, Quentin will tell you that Track involves "...too much running..." but evidently soccer does not!

Track and soccer were followed by tennis, snowboarding and bowling. With each new sport, Quentin has grown not only as an athlete but as a person and has made many friends along the way. The Special Olympics' opportunities have taught Quentin independence, enhanced his self-esteem, and exposed him to a wide variety of people and places.

Fifteen years after his beginning with Special Olympics, Quentin remains committed to soccer ("When does soccer practice start?" is a common refrain.) He also has greatly expanded his participation in tennis outside of Special Olympics, where Quentin trains weekly with a tennis instructor, and continues to perfect his powerful forehand.

When he's not on the playing field, Quentin follows the Giants, Sharks and Raiders through their seasons, and cheers for Rafael Nadal on the tennis court. A recent opportunity to join his Special Olympics soccer teammates in a mini-soccer match during the half time of a professional soccer game between Inter-Milan and Chivas has been the highlight of his year.

Outside of the sporting arena, Quentin is a movie fanatic. He has a DVD collection that rivals most video rental companies, resulting in his room being referred to as the "Q-Buster". But sports will always be the most important part of Quentin's life, and Special Olympics' volunteer coaches and athletes will always be a part of his extended family.

Way to go Quentin! You Inspire Greatness!

Meet Brian Kretz and Paul Johnson

Brian Kretz, 31, of Novato and Paul Johnson, 26, of Los Altos will be a part of a group of 125 athletes who are getting ready for their long distance running and walking season. This is a great conditioning sport emphasizing endurance, speed, pace and really teaches our athletes how to be in tune with their bodies.

It's also a sport that takes our athletes into the community, as they can enter community 5K/10K races and qualify for regional competitions.

Both Brian and Paul have become regular participants in competitive community races.

Brian receives a medal at 2009 Summer Games at UC Davis.

Brian Runs the Beautiful Bridge to Bridge Run in San Francisco
Brian will lead the "No. 1 Team" consisting of SpecialOlympics athletes and coaches in next month's 33rd Glide Floss Bridge to Bridge Run.

Brian, who has run the Bridge to Bridge these past five years, has been involved in Special Olympics since he was nine years old and has participated in swimming, softball, basketball and bowling, although his favorite sport is long distance running. Off the trails, Brian enjoys hiking, backpacking and fishing when he can find time off from his job as a courtesy clerk for the Novato Safeway Store.

"I love the Bridge to Bridge run," he says, adding that he hopes many of his fellow athletes will run or walk the race on Oct. 4 with him.

Paul sets a personal record at 2009 Boston Marathon.

Paul Takes on the Rock 'N Roll Half Marathon in San Jose
While Brian runs from the Bay Bridge to the Golden Gate Bridge, Paul will be running the Rock'N Roll Half Marathon in San Jose on that same day. The Half Marathon should be a cinch for Paul, who has become a seasoned long distance runner with many marathons under his belt. This year he completed the Boston Marathon with a time of 3 hours and 3 minutes!

"If it weren't for discovering Special Olympics when he was six years old, he would have never learned he could run," says Mom Irene. "Now look at him. He is having the time of his life, made so many friends and he has become very serious and competitive about his running."

Beyond the trails, Paul has accomplished much more including becoming
an Eagle Scout, receiving his personal training certificate from Foothill
Community College and working at Hope Services, a community living organization focused on serving people with developmental disabilities. He is currently training for the California International Marathon.