Jackson Borovansky was deployed with the U.S. Army in Afghanistan when he heard that his older brother, Harrison, had been selected to compete at the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle. He knew that he wanted to be there to support him in what he called a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
More than a month and nearly 7,000 miles later, Harrison received a surprise tap on the shoulder during the Opening Ceremony on July 1.
“Honestly, I knew he was coming a bit earlier because my mom let it slip,” explained Harrison. “But I didn’t think I’d see him on opening day. Suddenly, my coach tapped me on the shoulder and asked me to come with him. And there’s [Jackson] and my father; I hadn’t seen him in…. awhile. So it was great to see him.”
Jackson had finished his nine-month deployment in Afghanistan and spent a month at his stationed-base in New York before jumping on a flight across the country and making it just in time for the Opening Ceremony at Husky Stadium. Thanks to a compassionate security volunteer, he and his father were allowed to surprise Harrison as he entered with the Team NorCal delegation.
“They let me on the field to go see him, ay hi and give him a hug. It was a great time,” said Jackson. “It was so awesome. I missed all of my family. It was great seeing him at Special Olympics, especially at the Opening Ceremony representing Northern California. It was an awesome experience.”
Jackson has joined the rest of the family to cheer on Harrison throughout the week as he competes in tennis for Team NorCal. Harrison, who lives in Citrus Heights, is taking part in singles and doubles matches with Redding-native Katie Crum. Jackson will spend the next month with his family before returning to duty in New York.
For Harrison, it’s a Fourth of July week he’ll remember forever.
“I’m just happy they’re here… there’s nothing else that I can say.”