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
Special Olympics Jamaica Athlete Named to Global Athlete Leadership Role
Special Olympics Jamaica athlete David Duncan's thoughtful demeanor and strong leadership skills are large reasons he finds himself as the newly named chairperson for the Global Athlete Leadership Council (GALC).
3 Min Read
Preserving Memories on World Photography Day
Behind the lens of a camera, stands a photographer showcasing their skill and imagination—turning real-life moments into long-lasting memories. Three Special Olympics North America photographers do so on their own time, purely because they love what they do and are inspired by Special Olympics athletes.
3 Min Read
Liftoff: To Inclusion and Beyond
It’s the quiet time of year on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, but the presence of Special Olympics makes it lively. Special Olympics youth leaders, educators and Program staff lived on campus during the 2024 SONA National Leadership Event: To Inclusion and Beyond.
5 Min Read
Rising Star Coaches Recognized by Special Olympics North America
While winning is the reason we all play sports, spreading and promoting inclusion is at the forefront of the organization.
4 Min Read
Special Olympics Colorado Athlete Conquers Mountains, Literally and Figuratively
For Hunter Specht, the mountain is his home away from home. For years, he and his family have bonded over their passion for snow sports, especially skiing. But it was when Hunter’s passion for skiing met Special Olympics Colorado that he was truly able to shine.
3 Min Read
Special Olympics Michigan Sets Standard with Two Teams at NIRSA Championships at State-Of-The-Art Facilities
It’s a crisp sunny day in late spring at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The 2024 NIRSA National Basketball Championships are taking place and two teams from Michigan are in town looking to bring home the championship.
5 Min Read
Inclusion and 10 Years of ESPN Partnership Celebrated at Perth Amboy High School
The gymnasium at Perth Amboy High School is at capacity with the student body, gearing up for the traditional students vs. teachers basketball game.
5 Min Read
Special Olympics Alaska’s Emily Tymick Named SONA Sports Person of the Year, Credits Longtime Love for Competition
Emily Tymick first got involved with Special Olympics as a volunteer and was hooked quickly, turning it into a career. More than a decade later, she was recognized by her peers as the SONA Sports Person of the Year.
4 Min Read
Special Olympics Finds Competitive Edge at NIRSA Flag Football Championships
It’s a cold and windy weekend in the quiet college town of Stillwater, Oklahoma, but despite it being winter break for Oklahoma State University, you can hear the cheers of students.
5 Min Read
Special Olympics Nebraska Athlete Takes on Capitol Hill Ahead of Sargent Shriver Global Messenger Term
Throughout Washington D.C., Special Olympics athletes, Unified partners, and staff from 47 states and the District of Columbia are meeting with members of Congress to advocate for the continuance of funding for the movement’s life-changing work in education and health.
5 Min Read