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
West All-Stars Win 2023 Special Olympics Unified All-Star Game
With the ball sitting at midfield of Glenn Warner Soccer Facility at the Naval Academy surrounded by a breathtaking backdrop of the Severn River with beautiful sailboats one-by-one sailing into port, it’s the perfect weather for one of the biggest events of the year. There’s a boat of Navy sailors docking in the distance. It’s a day of celebration for inclusion, for MLS, and for Special Olympics.
3 Min Read
Patty Carosotto Finds Passion and Purpose in Childhood
Patty Carosotto spent most of her athletic days in the pool. Whether it be after school or on the weekends, she would splash into the water under the crisp sunlight in preparation for meets. All the while, her brother, who was born with cerebral palsy, got lost in the sound waves listening to Dodgers games. It was all the lessons she learned along the way caring for him that would shape her career to what it is today.
4 Min Read
Providing a Voice for the Athletes, Speaking Opportunities by Special Olympics
Throughout the Special Olympics North America Region, Programs are creating opportunities for Special Olympics athletes to find their voices and share their powerful stories.
3 Min Read
A Three-Decade-Long Friendship Celebrated in Coach Receiving Outstanding Coach Award
Coach Joe Bellini and Special Olympics athlete Will Smith have known each other for nearly 30 years. Their relationship isn’t the typical coach/athlete relationship because the connection runs so deep. Here is their story.
4 Min Read
From the Island of Oahu To the Mainland of Berlin, Germany, Special Olympics Hawaii Athlete Will Officiate Bocce at World Games
Shavanna Mahoe has the distinction of being Hawaii’s first and only Special Olympics athlete who serves as a certified bocce official.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Pennsylvania Coach Receives Lifetime Achievement Award After Five Decades of Involvement
In the sixth grade, Maryellen Brown, standing at just 4’11", won the broad jump with a measurement of 6 feet and 1 inch.
3 Min Read
Cool Schools Plunge Takes Over Sandy Point State Park in Record Numbers
There wasn’t a speck of sunlight in the sky as the frigid February wind whistled through the empty beach at Sandy Point State Park outside Annapolis, Maryland.
3 Min Read
Coach’s Three-Decade-Long Involvement with Special Olympics Leads to Outstanding Coach Nomination
Getting started with the movement 30 years ago after fostering a young man with intellectual disabilities, she has been a certified coach since 2006, with swimming being her favorite sport.
3 Min Read
Canadian Companies Showcase Inclusion Throughout Country with Special Olympics Athletes
Throughout the Special Olympics North America Region, companies demonstrate what an inclusive environment should look like and how that translates throughout the communities.
5 Min Read
Jonathan Frederick Incorporates Fun with Competition while Coaching Esports
Inside a high-energy arena, with flashing lights and excitement filling the room, Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners compete against one another at the highest level in esports.
2 Min Read