Winter 2024 Featured Athlete
Brodin Warzecha
Hello, My name is Brodin Warzecha and I am a junior at Norwich Free Academy, in Norwich, Connecticut. For the past three years I have participated in the following Unified activities: soccer, basketball, Unified Zoology and Art, (social) club and two years of corn hole toss with the amazing Coach Staley.
I also participate in the Special Olympic Connecticut Bowling League. All these Special Olympics-sponsored activities have provided me a safe and welcoming place to be myself and the opportunity to play sports with a wonderful team of peers with disabilities and with our partner friends, like Gavin Duda.
Without Special Olympics, I would not have had the opportunity to play sports or a place to socialize with my peers. Coach Staley, his assistants, and all my teammates make our Unified experience fun, accommodate everyone’s skill level, and foster a sense of comradery amongst all members of the team.
We start every game with the Special Olympics Oath, we have team huddles and we play sports with many high schools around the state who also have Unified programs. Everyone who plays in Unified Sports® is friendly and encouraging of the athletes to do their best.
There was one instance, where I was dribbling the ball to the basket and the opposing team stopped the play and everyone allowed me to shoot the ball until I made the shot. I was deeply touched by this act of kindness. I will always remember this moment.
I also love dressing up in a tux or a costume and dancing with friends at the Unified dances and attending the ice cream socials.
In Special Olympics bowling, I get to bowl with my cousin and other participants from ages 17 to 50 years old. We have a blast high fiving each other when we get strikes. I plan to continue to participate in Special Olympics bowling and basketball with my cousin, when I graduate from high school.
The organization has enriched my life in many ways and will continue to be an important part of my life.
Go Unified Special Olympics!!! Go Wildcats!!