In May, some of our students traveled to Stillwater to compete in the Special Olympics Summer Games. Every year, our students look forward to the excitement, competition, and encouragement that come with being part of something so special.
For Josh, the games were about much more than running a race.
Josh often struggles with anxiety and self-confidence, and as he prepared for the 100-meter dash, he began to doubt himself. But with encouragement from his family and coaches, including his sister, Josh decided to give it everything he had.
“My sister helped me by talking to me before the race, and that made me feel better,” Josh shared.
Josh raced across the finish line and earned second place, bringing home a well-deserved silver medal. We also heard that the promise of pizza after the race may have helped motivate him a little too.
At Pathways, moments like this remind us why opportunities like Special Olympics matter so much. For many of our students, these events are about more than sports. They are opportunities to build confidence, stay active, form friendships, and discover what they are capable of achieving.
We are incredibly proud of Josh for pushing past his anxiety and giving his best effort. Watching our students encourage one another, celebrate victories, and grow in confidence is one of the greatest joys of being part of the Pathways community.
Congratulations, Josh! We are cheering you on every step of the way.
