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About Josh
Hometown: Topeka, KS
Team: Topeka Shawnee
Age: 44
Special Olympics Kansas Athlete for: 35 Years
USA Games Sport: Bocce
Other SOKS Sports: Swimming, Basketball, Volleyball, Bowling, Track, and Softball
What is your ideal dream job?
"Tech job at Apple."
What accomplishments make you most proud of yourself?
"First Kansas athlete to serve on the LETR Executive Council, Athlete on the SOKS Board of Directors, first SOKS Athlete Input Council Chair, Special Olympics Hall of Famer, Governor appointed member of the Kansas council on Developmental Disbility, winner of the 2019 Michael Lechner Award for the Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns. Also, I got to attend Capitol Hill Day and meet Dr. Timothy Shriver."
How has Special Olympics changed your life?
"I have become part of the Special Olympics family who accepts me for who I am. It has helped me be included in my community and my state. I have many friends. I have also learned to be a leader. I have spoken to several groups and attended many events to promote Special Olympics."
What challenges have you had to overcome, and how did Special Olympics help you?
"I was bullied in middle school and high school. In Special Olympics there is no bullying. We all feel loved and respected. I was timid before Special Olympics but now I speak to groups at events, and on TV and radio."
What does attending USA Games mean to you?
"I feel so honored to be selected to attend the USA Games in Orlando. I am very proud to represent my state of Kansas and our leadership, coaches, volunteers, and fellow athletes. I am so excited to make new friends!"
What is something interesting about you that most people don’t know?
"I love NHL Hockey - especially the Chicago Blackhawks!"
Special Honors:
Kansas LETR Executive Council
Athlete on the SOKS Board of Directors
First SOKS Athlete Input Council Chair
Special Olympics Hall of Famer
Governor appointed member of the Kansas council on Developmental Disbility
Winner of the 2019 Michael Lechner Award for the Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns