Grace is an 18-year-old from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. As a sibling to a brother with intellectual disabilities, Grace has felt the importance and impact of inclusion and the Special Olympics movement first hand. Grace feels inspired to be a Youth Leader when she sees the joy experienced by youth while engaged in Unified Sports or other events promoting inclusion.

Hayden is a 15-year-old from Cuyahoga Falls, OH. Hayden plays Flag Football, his team is the Woodridge Bulldogs. Hayden is a proud member of the United Club, whose motto is “Equality Hurts Nobody.” He believes in this message and in spreading inclusion on a grand scale. Hayden holds another leadership role within his community, as he serves on the Family Nights Planning Committee. Hayden wants to develop his leadership skills through this project and to grow the Unified Generation.
Grace and Hayden noticed there were few events or activities for families of children with disabilities to attend and wanted to create more inclusive events for all. Their grand event, a Silent Disco, is especially friendly and accommodating to youth with disabilities as there will be little noise, but it will still have that party atmosphere that everyone loves!
Grace and Hayden’s alongside The Family Night Committee in their community aims to host an event once a month for youth with disabilities and their families to promote unity, facilitate family-bonding, and have fun! The final event will be a Silent Disco, a party that everyone can enjoy!
Grace, Hayden, and the newly formed Family Night Committee hope to create fun and engaging events for all Woodridge and Cuyahoga Falls families to attend!