It’s a warm, cloudy day at the University of Minnesota Track & Field Stadium. Special Olympics Northern California athlete Patrick Underly is with his team, surrounded by state Programs from across the country. It’s Tuesday, June 22, and it’s a quarter past noon. On the track, Patrick stands near the starting line. It’s his first time at Special Olympics USA Games, and it’s the 400m sprint. He gives it his all, pushing himself to the limit and persevering even when he gets tired. Patrick says with enthusiasm, “I’m more of a sprinter than a distance runner. Especially at the age I'm at right now.”
The Special Olympics USA Games is a national event that’s hosted every four years. This year brought nearly 3,000 athletes and 1,500 coaches from all 50 states to Minneapolis to compete across 16 Olympic-type team and individual sports.
Joanie Underly had put her son in Special Olympics to help build his confidence and independence. “He's got to go to the World Games 15 years ago, and he's always wanted to do the USA games, " Joanie says. “So, we were so excited when he got chosen to come.”
Before coming to Special Olympics USA Games, he was selected to represent Team USA at Special Olympics World Games in Athens in 2011, competing in bowling, where he earned one gold, two silvers, and a ribbon. He says, “It was great meeting people from 170 countries, and it was sweet to see the Parthenon.”
“We feel very fortunate because Patrick has been around for a long time, and he's a seasoned athlete,” Chris Gonzales, Patrick’s coach, says about his experience with Patrick.
During this USA Games, he achieved a gold medal in the mini-javelin event, placed seventh in the 400m, and eighth in the 200m. He got the experience that he had dreamed of and added some hardware to his collection.
Patrick has won over 300 medals in soccer, basketball, football, athletics, and many more sports. He was also inducted into the Sacramento Hall of Fame for his athletic achievements.
When he’s not involved with Special Olympics, he works as a bagger at Safe Mart and volunteers at his local church. Special Olympics has helped him overcome his fear of public speaking and made his voice visible in the workplace.
“It has given me the confidence to ask customers how they are and give me confidence to be able to try new things,” Patrick says.
At the end of the day, regardless of the medals he may win, Patrick proves that age does not define who you are. His endurance and perseverance make the ordinary into extraordinary.
