As the first recipient of the 2023 Torch Run Youth Award, Adam has been active in Special Olympics and Torch Run events since he was just knee high. He has participated in numerous Polar Plunges, volunteered at Plane Pull events, ran in the Final Leg in Richmond, and volunteered at swimming at Summer Games…and that was just the beginning. Now that Adam is older, he is able to assist with organizing and task-handling at Virginia Beach for Polar Plunge, becoming an assistant to our event team. Being involved with Special Olympics and Torch Run has really helped shape him into the amazing young man he is and his compassion for all people is heartwarming, and his kind heart and genuine personality make him an valuable asset. The fact that he has grown up around people with intellectual disabilities has made him a patient, kind and caring human being, which is quite evident when he interacts with his soon-to-be stepsister, who has a disability. He is always wanting to help make her life better. An absolute outstanding individual, he is truly following in his family’s footsteps, and we all cannot wait to see what the future holds for him.