IC News

When Anne Norby talks about the Special Olympics, there is an ear-to-ear smile on her face. With the heart and dedication of an athlete, she has found a place where she has not only thrived as an athlete, but also as a leader.

Last weekend, Ithaca College hosted the 55th New York State Summer Special Olympics Games.

Until 1960, there was an exclusivity as to who could be an athlete, let alone an Olympic athlete, namely the most abled of bodied made the cut. The Paralympics challenged that notion with the first Paralympic Games taking place in Rome and paving the way to a widely successful Olympian tradition going strong today. Eight years later, the first International Special Olympics were held in Chicago, a games for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

The spirit of an athlete is one of respect, integrity, and graciousness. There is a reverence for the sport and the team. To be an athlete, there are physical skills and conditioning, mental power and mindset, discipline, and commitment. There are supports, strategies, and accountability. There is a special affinity by the athlete for the sport. A swimmer loves to be in water, a basketball player finds a joy in the swoosh of a basket, a skier loves the snow, or maybe they just love being part of something bigger.

The athletes of the Special Olympics are no different. In fact, the passion and determination the athletes are from stories of belonging, community, love of sport, and a fierce desire to do something at which they are great.

Anne has been a competitive swimmer since age eight. When Anne’s family moved to New York, she joined the Special Olympics to keep being active and make friends. At the time, Anne had no idea how big the Special Olympics was or what it would become for her. In Anne’s words, “The Special Olympics gives me a lot of confidence. The support from the community and from friends and family and teammates ... there are no words for it. They have made me believe in myself more, let me know that I can do anything I put my mind to, and that I can follow my dreams. And, just because I have a disability doesn't mean I can't do anything.

Last weekend, Anne competed in the 50-meter fly, the 100-meter, and 500-meter free relay. As Anne puts it, she’s a distance swimmer, she “just loves to swim.”

That love of swimming found Anne in Orlando, Florida competing amongst 5,500 athletes in the 2022 USA Games, an honor she had to qualify for by medaling in State games and then apply to be accepted. There, she placed with Silver, Bronze and Gold medals.

Anne has taken her mission of support and confidence to both the winners’ podium and the speakers’ podium. This year, she addressed the crowd of families, athletes, coaches, and spectators at the Opening Ceremonies. She also serves on the commission for the Law Enforcement Torch Run—the largest public awareness vehicle and grass roots fundraiser for the Special Olympics. A few years ago, Anne ran the torch into the opening ceremonies of the State Games.

When asked what she would say to a person interested in becoming an athlete, she said, “The minute they step foot in the Special Olympics world, it's gonna change their life and their family's life for sure, and their loved ones. Just try it. I know it might be hard, but you will be so proud of yourself, and you know it might change your life. Something new is always hard, but that's the first step of anything. To those that are interested in doing it: I believe in you, and you got this, and be the one that sets the example.”

This couple are Olympic powerlifters; their events include squatting, bench press, and deadlifts.

Aziza is spunky, she has big, bright pink hair, and knows what she wants. She is 36 years old. She has been powerlifting with her team, the Chargers, for nine years. She started with soccer and bocce ball.

As she takes the bench in Ithaca College’s Athletics and Events Center auditorium, her parents are in the stands cheering her on with impassioned glee. Aziza won four gold metals these games; Joel won four silver medals.

Joel has been in the Special Olympics since 2016; Aziza credits him for getting her into the sport. His demeanor is kind, and he only has eyes for his wife—he mentions her every chance he gets. Joel’s father is in the stands, cheering his son, daughter-in-law, and their teammates on. For these two, the Games are family.

The two met as children and knew for 17 years they wanted to be married. That dream came true in 2023.

Aziza says with the Special Olympics she gets to meet new people, have fun, and travel. Aziza powerlifted at the 2022 USA Games in Florida; Joel has traveled to Seattle. She has been interviewed by ESPN as part of the 2022 USA Games. When she was there, she called out his name, she said “I love my fiancée, Joel!”.