Hi there,

For so much of my life, I always felt a step behind because of my cerebral palsy. My parents noticed developmental delays when I never learned how to crawl. In school, I was bullied for being different. I tried to hide my disability by pretending to finish reading when other kids did.

I had one escape — a place that gave me confidence, a place where that step behind disappeared: Special Olympics.

Thanks to supporters like you, I was a Special Olympics athlete for nearly twenty years. I got my start in life through the joy of sports and now I want to help other athletes get that same chance.

Did you know that a monthly gift of $5 can give an athlete everything they need to train and compete for an entire year? It’s true! Start your monthly gift today to help an athlete like me discover the joy of sports and realize their full potential >>

When I look in the mirror now, I see how far I’ve come. I see the barriers I helped break for people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. I see the teammates that turned into friends. I see my accomplishments, including my job as a communications fellow and athlete reporter with Special Olympics North America. I see the support of this community that changed my life and helped me find my place in the world.

My Special Olympics story began thanks to the continued generosity of someone like you. Will you help start another athlete’s story today? A monthly gift is the easiest, most powerful way to help an athlete find their escape and get on the field. Please, donate now.

Thank you,

RJ Nealon
Special Olympics North America Communications Fellow
Special Olympics Maryland athlete and Athlete Leader