MANITOWOC (NBC26) — More than 9,000 athletes all across the state will participate in Special Olympics activities this year.
Travis Stuckart first participated in the Special Olympics when he was 12 years old. 32 years later, and with too many ribbons and trophies to count, the Manitowoc native says earning silver in the half marathon at the 2003 World Games in Ireland was the best moment of his career.
“It was actually one of the greatest moments of my life," said Stuckart. "Knowing when I crossed that finish line, it was amazing because I realized I did something all doctors told me I would never be able to accomplish. I was told when I was born, I will never be able to walk or talk ever in my life. So this right here is my pride and joy.”
In 2020, almost every Special Olympics event had to be canceled due to COVID-19. For this winter, Special Olympics Wisconsin planned some socially-distanced, in-person fundraisers, like sledding, tubing and snowshoeing, as well as virtual ones, like the do-it-yourself polar plunge. People can participate however they feel most comfortable, said Sarah Graper, Director of Development and Special events for Special Olympics Wisconsin.
“Last year really showed us how important how important the organization is for athletes," she said. "It’s not just something for competing. It’s a family. It’s their social way of getting together. We really need to raise those funds. It’s been a difficult 2020 and we’re we’re hoping that 2021 is going to look much better.”
People can also directly donate to Olympians like Stuckart through the Cheer on a Champion campaign.
“It doesn’t matter what place, you take number one," said Stuckart. "It doesn’t matter as long as you have fun, and you've got to remember, winning is having fun and making friends and doing the best you can. As long as you do your best, you can you can look at yourself and say that you did your best. That’s all you can ask for.”
One of the events includes tubing at Ariens Hill in Titletown this Saturday, February 6th, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. You can register for the event here.
