Mike is like any 28-year-old today with a crazy schedule, juggling his work, college studies and multiple sports. Yet there is something more you should know about him. Mike was born with Down syndrome and has been an avid Special Olympics athlete since he was a child.
See Mike in action. Browse photos of Mike’s journey with Special Olympics. See photos
UPDATE: Mike Bailey received hundreds of wishes from Special Olympics supporters from all over the country and around the world, wishing him luck in the upcoming powerlifting competition. Mike’s hard work and training leading up to the event paid off – he did his personal best and took home gold in two events, for Bench Press (155 lbs) and Dead Lift (260 lbs).
When Dave and Karen Bailey, parents of Special Olympics athlete Mike Bailey, were given the official news that Mike had Down syndrome, they were crushed. They thought many of their dreams were shattered. However, after joining a Down syndrome support group, they were encouraged to enroll Mike in an early intervention program. Thereafter, the years started rolling by.
At age seven Mike attended grammar school at Garden Gate Elementary where his teacher, Sylvia Machamer, suggested he get involved in Special Olympics. Karen and Dave decided to take her advice and now say, “it was most likely one of, if not the most important decision we ever made for Mike.” According to Dave and Karen, Special Olympics has provided Mike the opportunity for lifelong physical conditioning and socialization, as well as helped him build great friendships.
Today, Mike participates year round in a variety of sports from bocce ball to powerlifting. He enjoys every minute. One of the many highlights of his life came when Mike received a letter notifying him that he was selected as the San Jose Sports Authority 2007 Special Olympian of the Year. He later learned that he would be recognized at the Hall of Fame dinner along with Brian Boitano, Mark Spitz and several other notable San Jose area athletes. It didn’t end there. Mike also was invited to ride in the Grand Marshall’s car for the NBC 11 Holiday Parade in San Jose.
Still, there was more to come. Mike’s latest thrill was an invitation to run one leg of the Olympic Torch Run Relay in San Francisco to celebrate the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. He was selected to run with former Gold Medal Swimming Olympian Mark Henderson. After the run was over, Mark wrote us a letter: “It was one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever witnessed and participated in.” His torch partner, Mark Henderson reported that “Mike’s constant laughter and proclamations that ‘we are heroes’ kept everyone smiling.” We think most people would agree that Mike embodied the true excitement of what the torch represents.
When Mike and his family returned home that day, they walked the neighborhood sharing the torch with all their friends and neighbors. Needless to say, if it weren’t for being born with Down syndrome, Mike and his family would certainly be in a different place. But Mike and his family are not missing out on a life filled with challenge, accomplishment, excitement, lifelong friendships and the opportunity to be part of a great organization like Special Olympics.