RJ Nealon
RJ Nealon is a Special Olympics North America communications fellow and athlete reporter, alumni of the University of Alabama and former ESPN intern.
Content By This Author
Michael Detouche Gains Confidence Fishing and Makes Valuable Impact Within Special Olympics
Before you get to know Michael Detouche, a Special Olympics Dominica athlete from the Caribbean, you should know a few things. Every weekend, he fishes.
3 Min Read
Shakir Stapleton Translates Lessons Learned in Sports to the Workplace
Standing on a silver construction ladder with a red top, Shakir Stapleton is tucked deep inside the ceiling working on the technical aspect of computer systems. To the normal eye, the complicated wiring and electrical work can be described as a foreign language. But for Stapleton, it’s just another day at work, in his element, thriving.
4 Min Read
Michael Jacques Makes Impact Writing Books About his Experience Living with Autism
Michael Jacques lives life overcoming obstacles. He doesn't read or write, but that doesn't stop him from sharing his story in the most creative of ways. Jacques shares his story about how he became a self-published author to his books "I Belong: Can I Play?" and "Can’t Read, Can’t Write, Here’s My Book." A feat that while challenging, was well worth it in the end.
5 Min Read
NCAA DIII Student-Athletes Take What They Learned Volunteering with Special Olympics in College and Use it in Their Everyday Life
The Special Olympics movement has an impact on people that does not go unnoticed. Whether it be as an athlete, a volunteer, a Unified partner, or as a family member, once you get involved you are hooked.
3 Min Read
Special Olympics Minnesota Athlete Danielle Liebl Thrives in Both Sports and Academics to Become Lawyer at Amazon
Surrounded by the magnificent architecture showcased at the White House, Danielle Liebl was experiencing a life-changing event.
6 Min Read
Special Olympics Athletes Employed by Special Olympics Programs Strive for Inclusion in the Workforce
Employment stories come in all categories, with each story reflecting a unique perspective and journey to getting that job. For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, it is not always an easy journey to employment.
7 Min Read
Rylan Ritter Takes Gridiron Grit and Transfers It to Powerlifting
It was a gloomy day when Rylan Ritter and his varsity football teammates from Poteau High School gathered for a team meeting following practice. Ritter, a sophomore, sitting on his knees and entirely focused on head coach Greg Warner, was about to get the surprise of a lifetime.
4 Min Read
Coach Wilson Chua Takes Inspiration from Son and Impacts Special Olympics Virginia Community
Gathered inside the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey for the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games Opening Ceremony, excitement filled the air as each state delegation was announced.
4 Min Read
Special Olympics Ohio Athlete Beth Meyer Gets Surprise of a Lifetime
Little did Meyer know the whole day was planned with one big surprise in mind: she would represent Ohio in swimming at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games.
5 Min Read
Special Olympics Coach Erica Milliron Showcases Family-Type Atmosphere Through Sports and School
Special Olympics Pennsylvania head coach Erica Milliron might not be as experienced as other Special Olympics coaches, but she still understands the importance of Special Olympics Unified Sports® and the lessons it teaches students.
5 Min Read