Ed Pacheco has been the president and CEO of the Special Olympics of Rhode Island since May 2022. A former state representative from 2005 to 2011, Pacheco is a native of Rhode Island and a 2005 graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and government.
John Williams is an athlete and was a speaker at the 2023 Games. He has competed in track and field, bocce, bowling and tennis.
In this episode of “Generation Rising,” host Anaridis Rodriguez interviews Pacheco and Williams. Pacheco addresses the organization’s mission to foster inclusion and empowerment through sports, while Williams gives a firsthand account of his journey and what the Special Olympics mean to him and his fellow competitors.
The full interview can be found here.
The Special Olympics of Rhode Island is more than just a series of games. The organization is a celebration of every athlete’s journey.
The spotlight shines on individuals with intellectual disabilities who are breaking barriers and setting new standards of excellence. Those athletes’ dedication transcends sports.
Pacheco said that the 2024 Summer Games, a statewide competition held at the University of Rhode Island from May 31 through June 2, had more than 1,000 athletes competing.
Giving athletes a platform
“It was pretty spectacular, not gonna lie,” Pacheco said. “Not only did the weather cooperate throughout the entire weekend, but certainly we had, what I like to say is a display of the most inspiring athletes in the world competing in everything from track and field and soccer to powerlifting to swim to bowling.
“It was just a really all-around amazing weekend and certainly a memorable one for our athletes and their families.”
Williams can attest to the enthusiasm and excitement generated by the 2024 Games.
“Well, it’s been great, really, being part of a team and it gives me pride and joy and something to look forward to year after year,” he said.
This year, Williams captained his team. He took a gold medal in the shot put and bronze in the turbojav competition. Williams said he takes his role as captain seriously and leads by example.
The Games are the culmination of a yearlong effort, Pacheco said.
“This is a journey that our athletes embark upon each and every year that, you know, they sign up for various sports and athletics to not only practice, but really hone their craft,” he said. “And every individual’s ability is different, and that’s where it begins certainly as far as their story, but that’s not where it ends.
“You know, we give them the platform by which they have the opportunity to train and build up to that competition. And really it’s up to them, just like any one of us, to leave it out there on the field.”
Pacheco added that the athletes want to experience the thrill of competitiveness and achievement.
“But that thrill of actually going back and pointing and saying, ‘I did that,’ and every competition that we run throughout the year, and again ... (the) Summer Games is certainly the culmination each and every year for our athletes, he said. “But they are participating in all different sports, tournaments, jamborees 365 days a year.”
The Special Olympics in Rhode Island features 23 different sports. Over the summer, athletes competed in golf, softball and three-on-three basketball. And for the first time, the organization had a surfing program thanks to a partnership with Gnome Surfing and Jamestown Outdoor.”
“So we’re always looking for innovative opportunities for our athletes to come together and train to realize their full potential,” Pacheco said. “And of course, seeing that play out over the course of the year and then on full display at the Summer Games.
“It’s every parent’s and every family’s dream to see their loved one go out there and give it everything they have. And no matter where they finish, whether it be gold, silver, or bronze, to be able to say to themselves, ‘I’m proud of you,’” he added. “I’m proud you were able to compete at your fullest extent and point back and say, ‘I did that.’”
‘Never hold back’
Williams said he relished his role as an ambassador for Special Olympics of Rhode Island, calling it “a great experience.”
He makes sure he and his teammates abide by the rules and put out their best efforts. Williams added that he has three rules that he teaches his teammates.
“Never hold back. Give it everything you got. Let nothing or no one hold you back,” he said.
Williams added that he learned about the Special Olympics and began competing in 2013.
“I heard about it ‘cause I never competed in sports, not even in high school,” he said. “So I wanted to prove I can do it.:
Williams added that at first, he joined due to selfish reasons, but pondering it he took a year off and “did it for the right reason.”
“I was in it for the fame and glory. I know, it was for the wrong reason,” he said. “But someone wise once told me to think why I wanted to join in the first place because you were good at sports.
“At first I didn’t think I had what it takes. I mean, what if I screw up? What if I fail?
What if I’m not good?” Williams said. “‘Cause I’m not a professional athlete, but it was just self-doubt in my head.
“So I just shake it off.”
Williams said participating in the Special Olympics program helped him “get out of my comfort zone.”
“I was always kind of shy and quiet, even as a kid. Never talked to many people, not join any clubs or sports, not even school dances,” he said. “I was just kind of, my head down.
“But the more I got comfortable, the more I got used to being myself ‘cause you know how you go through, you gotta be someone you’re not to fit in,” Williams added. “But I thought maybe being myself is not enough, but it is enough.
“I realize that now.”
Pacheco said that Williams “did an incredible thing” in 2023 for the 2023 Summer Games when the organization sought people to become a spokesperson for the athletes.
“John surprised us and put an application in a video talking about how important it is for him to share with the world about his journey, and also making the case for other athletes to come out of their shell and comfort zone to want to do more.
“And he delivered the keynote speech in 2023 and did an amazing job.”
Williams’ performance may have seemed smooth, but he confessed that it was “a scary experience.”
“I remember it well,” he said. “My heart was like pounding out of my chest, but I overcame it.”
During his speech Williams thanked his program coordinator, Sandy Fonseca; his mentor, Sherry Clary; his coach, Abby Gallant; and his mother, Andrea Montero.
“I had goosebumps,” Pacheco said. “And John, you know, is being very modest.
“Every single person stood up at Summer Games and applauded what was just a beautiful delivery of his remarks. And it was a very touching moment.”
‘It’s our humanity that brings us together’
Pacheco said that if a family member has been diagnosed with an intellectual disability, the Special Olympics offer hope.
“There are opportunities for your loved one to achieve amazing things,” Pacheco said. “Through sports and athletics, we’re bringing communities together, we’re bringing individuals together and realizing that it’s not our differences that separate us.
“It’s our humanity that brings us together.”
Williams’ template for inspiration and success is simple.
“Don’t make the same mistake I did. Do it for the right reason. Think before you act,” he said. “You know how they say look before you leap?
“Think before you act for the right reason, not for the wrong reason. Anyone can say, ‘Hey, I’m proud of you,’ but most importantly, be proud of yourself,” Williams added. “If you put in the hard work and effort, you can do anything.
“And don’t let no one or anything hold you back. Shake off the self-doubt. If people say like, ‘Hey, you’re not gonna do this, you’re not gonna achieve anything,’ but that’s their problems.
“Just ignore and just do you. Do what’s best for you, not for other people.”
