“If they are scared or shy, Special Olympics can help them become brave and more outgoing. Everyone will help you. Everyone will accept you.”
This week we hear from Charles “Alex” Venne, an athlete from Madison. Read until the end to see an awesome video of his experience in Washington D.C. during Special Olympics’ Capitol Hill Day in 2016!
How and when did you become involved with SOWI?
When I was 9 years old my mom found it in the phone book.
What sport(s) do you participate in and what is your favorite sport?
My favorite is basketball. I also participate in soccer, softball, volleyball, and flag football. I used to participate in bowling and track and field.
What do you like most about being involved with SOWI?
I like being with friends and I like all of the sports I am doing. I like being busy almost every day of the week with Special Olympics sports and friends. I like that Special Olympics helps to keep me healthy. I will be playing sports for a long, long time because I never want to quit Special Olympics.
Tell us about one of your favorite memories with SOWI.
One of my favorite memories was one year at summer state games in Stevens Point, Clay Matthews was there. It was awesome. And they had a big giant U.S. flag that I couldn’t stop looking at! I also LOVED going to Washington, D.C. representing Wisconsin Special Olympics and talking to Congress and meeting Tim Shriver!
In Washington DC with members of Congress and Special Olympics Chairman Tim Shriver
How would your life be different if you never joined SOWI?
My life would be hard I think. Because I would never have anything to do. And I wouldn’t have very many friends I don’t think. And I wouldn’t be as healthy. I think I might watch too much TV, and also be lonely. Also, I have become good at sharing, and if I never had Special Olympics and so many coaches and friends, I wouldn’t have learned how to share and play as a team.
Why do you think other people should get involved with SOWI?
I think other people should get involved because it is, number one, so much fun! Also, if they are not an athlete, they could be a volunteer or coach. If they are scared or shy, Special Olympics can help them become brave and more outgoing. Everyone will help you. Everyone will accept you. If you join, you just might help someone else, too!
Anything else you would like to share?
Special Olympics is the best! Woo hoo!
