On Feb. 9, Eagle High student seniors Ozzie Faulk, Nathan Alexander and teachers Scott Deck and Nicole Hodgeson received the amazing opportunity to go to Washington DC along with congressmen, politicians and the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools Program to try and get the funding back for Special Olympics teams around the country, asking for approximately 50 million dollars.

The Idaho delegation was chosen after an interview about their performances at a local Idaho Special Olympics event. The Special Olympics are an event where people with cognitive and physical disabilities can come together and compete in sports games. This builds friendship, teamwork, and long-lasting memories for everyone involved.

Each state got to choose their own delegation to support this cause and bring the topic to Washington DC. Each delegation had a unified champion (athlete and special education student), a special education teacher(s) and a peer assistant to help with the athlete and learn more about being a special education teacher or instructor.

Senior Ozzie Faulk has been interested in pursuing a career in special education for many years and is very passionate about keeping the funding up for the Special Olympics teams around the country.

“I learned how to handle stress in formal and serious business situations. It was an amazing experience where I learned so much about my potential future career path working in special education. The positivity from the event truly was life changing,” said Faulk.

This event was a great way for students to stand up for what they believe in. Special Olympics create lifelong friendships and connections that bring communities together.  Currently, the delegations are waiting to find out if the Special Olympics teams will get their funding.