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Whether you call him dad, baba, padre, old man, abba, or daddio – fathers and father figures are a super awesome, important part of many of our lives. 

And they are an important part of our community. As parents of athletes, coaches, volunteers and donors, Special Olympics dads model patience and determination, and they are passionate about creating a world where people with intellectual disabilities (ID) are celebrated on and off the field. 

Today, you can help us celebrate the millions of Special Olympics dads who support athletes as they pursue their dreams. Make a gift to Special Olympics to honor the father or father figure in your life >>

Duane Hall is a father and a self-proclaimed “sports junkie” who got involved with Special Olympics 30 years ago while working for a residential services organization that supports people with ID. As a part of his job, Duane would take residents to Special Olympics practices. He was so moved by the athletes he met that he decided to volunteer.

When his kids were born, Duane brought them along to almost every event. His daughter Rylie, inspired by her father’s passion, is now a Special Olympics Unified Partner herself! 

Last week, the father-daughter duo got the exciting opportunity to attend the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando as part of Team Maine. They had this to say about their experience: 

"This was one of my best Special Olympics experiences as I was able to watch my daughter compete as a Unified Partner in Bowling...I was nervous as I always am before and during her competitions.  I just wanted them all to do their best.  I was also so moved, as she went out of her way to ensure her teammates were able to get the most out of the USA Games experience.  She did such a great job, and I am beyond proud of her." - Duane Hall

 "We share the same passion for Special Olympics and inclusion, so being able to go and support and help the athletes on Team Maine show the world how truly amazing they are, is something priceless and something I will treasure forever. I can only thank my father for making that happen." - Rylie Hall

Dads (and father figures) like Duane help build character, teach the importance of integrity, and exemplify kindness and care on and off the field. Duane has been able to share with his daughter how to make every athlete feel like a part of their family, and he’s become a valuable part of the Special Olympics community! 

Your donation today will help build a more inclusive and compassionate world for everyone: athletes, parents, coaches, and unified volunteers. Make a gift in honor of an awesome dad or father figure in your life >>

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads. Thanks for everything you do.

With gratitude,

The Special Olympics Team