For Dyllan Steadman, Special Olympics Virginia has always been about more than sports. It has been about friendship, confidence, and finding a place where he belongs.
Now preparing for the 2026 Special Olympics Virginia Summer Games, Dyllan is excited for another opportunity to compete alongside teammates and friends who have become like family.
A longtime Special Olympics Virginia athlete and 2019 Goochland High School graduate, Dyllan was introduced to Special Olympics through former Goochland coach and PE teacher Brad Jackson. He also played varsity soccer and participated in ROTC in high school, a natural fit for someone who grew up in a military family. What started as a chance to play sports quickly became something much bigger.
"Special Olympics gave us community," his mother, Becky Steadman, shared. "It gave Dyllan friendships, support, and connections. It helped our whole family."
Over the years, Dyllan has participated in basketball, soccer, and bowling, with bowling becoming his favorite sport. While he enjoys competition, the friendships mean the most to him.
Outside of sports, Dyllan works four days a week at Food Lion and enjoys fishing on the James River, building models, playing Minecraft, and spending time with friends from church and Special Olympics. He dreams of one day working as a deckhand on a fishing trawler.
"He has a huge heart," Becky said. "He is always so caring and concerned about other people."
Becky also started a parent support group through Special Olympics Virginia, giving other families a place to connect and find support. And Dyllan's kindness has encouraged others to join the program too, including one of his coworkers.
When asked what he wishes people understood about Special Olympics athletes, Dyllan shared:
"No matter what trials they go through, they're always going to run into bumps on the road. But they need to get back up on their feet and move."
This weekend, Dyllan heads to Special Olympics Virginia Summer Games to compete in bowling. When asked what he's going for, his answer was simple.
"That we win."