“The camaraderie you feel when meeting the other athletes, coaches, parents, guardians, and volunteers is like nothing else in the world.”
On this week’s My SOWI Story, we hear from athlete and 2108 USA Games Delegate Steven Woodard! Steven is from Portage and recently had the opportunity to attend a screening of the film Swim Team at the Milwaukee Film Festival. You can find his review of the film here!
How and when did you become involved with SOWI?
Not sure of exact time I joined but my brother was already in and our parents were helping coach I think by then.
What sport(s) do you participate in and what is your favorite sport?
Swimming, bocce, bowling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. I like swimming the best.
Steven and friends at a swimming event
What do you like most about being involved with SOWI?
The chance to be with all of my friends, competing, and the fun of meeting with other athletes and coaches.
What is your favorite SOWI memory?
One is doing the first Unified Relay Swim meet at the YMCA in Oshkosh with my teammate Josh, and my cousin and her fiance as our Unified partners. The other is being able to try and be at the USA Games and represent Team WI.
SOWI athlete Steve Woodard and his family along with several SOWI folks who also attended the Swim Team screening
How would your life be different if you never joined SOWI?
I wouldn’t be as active as I am, I wouldn’t have known some of the sports that I am involved in, and would not have met so many wonderful people.
Stretching before an event
Why do you think other people should get involved with SOWI?
The camaraderie you feel when meeting the other athletes, coaches, parents, guardians, and volunteers is like nothing else in the world. I think everyone should participate as an athlete, a Unified partner, volunteer, and anything else to be a part of SOWI.
Anything else you would like to share?
I have had a great life with Special Olympics in it and I cannot wait to represent Team Wisconsin in July!
