The moment you stepped into Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, you felt it. Special Olympics was everywhere - signage, announcements, photos above baggage claim. Pride and celebration in the air, a long way from athletes being hidden in the shadows.
The big moments were incredible. The Opening Ceremony was electric - state delegations flowing onto the field one by one, performances (hello, Demi Lovato!), and the torch lighting the cauldron. That always gets me. I used to work at Special Olympics International, and here I was over a decade later running into former colleagues. Not just a reunion, but a reminder of how many of them are still with the movement, years and even decades in. That kind of longevity isn't rare here. This mission holds people.
The small moments stayed with me too, especially getting to know more of our athletes. Tyler (who joined us at our recent board meeting) is always smiling with positive energy. Talking with his family on the sidelines said more about why we do this work than any report could. Deja, all confidence and swagger. Ashley, whose photo I'd seen on a story card beforehand, in person has this infectious, sly grin. Seeing Board member Dr. Joy Cavagnaro out there as Coach Joy. And getting to see other Board members: Michael and his family, Nathan, and our newly elected Marc, who has spirit for days!
Then there was Healthy Athletes' Mega Clinic. I love the sports side of our work, but the health side of this mission is something else entirely. Nine disciplines under one roof — mental health, physical therapy, vision, dentistry, podiatry, and more. I ended up in the hearing screening area. Fun fact: years ago in college I worked at Miracle Ear, back when customers mailed in their ear molds and waited weeks for a device. Here, athletes walked in, got screened, and walked out same-day with a fitted, state-of-the-art hearing aid. They're receiving incredible care, and it's about more than just hearing, it's the ability to connect, communicate, be understood.
If lighting the cauldron was one of the most emotional things I've witnessed, watching the flame go out at closing carried its own quiet, full-circle weight. Then they announced the next USA Games: Ohio, 2030. I don't know why that number landed on me the way it did, it just seems so far away, but I was glad to be there to witness the 2026 games.
I'm coming back re-energized and determined. I'm inspired and want to do more to advance this mission. Being at the games gave me space to watch and reflect — and I'm ready to keep moving this organization forward.
