What would you say to your younger self?

We asked Mario – a rock-star athlete with intellectual disabilities (ID) who competed in Special Olympics Unified soccer at the Berlin World Games this summer – to do just that. Mario has been a part of the Special Olympics family for years, and it’s made a huge difference in his life. 

Before he joined his Unified soccer team, Mario’s grades and attendance at school were slipping. But the life lessons he learned while on the field – like hard work, goal setting, and team spirit – helped turn around his school experience.

Now, Mario will be the FIRST in his family to graduate from high school! Check out Mario’s note to his younger self below, but first: Will you give today to make TWICE the impact for athletes like Mario? Our Founding Partner, The Coca-Cola Company, is 2X matching all donations, up to $50,000, until Tuesday at midnight!

Thank you, as always, for being a part of our mighty, millions-strong Special Olympics community. Because of your support, we’re transforming lives and families through the power of sport – and we’re not slowing down any time soon!

Stefanie Schiavone
Senior Manager, Direct Response Marketing