For Ryan Horrigan and Grace Rigby, the thrill of racing down a mountain is only part of what makes the Special Olympics meaningful.
The two North Shore athletes — both with roots in Marblehead — competed in a Special Olympics alpine ski competition Feb. 27 at Berkshire East Mountain. They skied in downhill and slalom races and both won medals.
But when asked what stands out most about competing, both athletes quickly pointed to something beyond the podium.
“The energy,” Horrigan said, smiling. “And being with friends.”
“Meeting new people,” added Rigby.
Racing on separate teams
The two compete on different ski teams. Horrigan skis with the Nashoba Shooting Stars, while Rigby competes with the Haverhill Stars.
They’ve both been part of the Special Olympics for years. Horrigan also competes in track and field and basketball. Throughout the year, he trains with Achilles International Boston, a running group that supports athletes with disabilities. Along with running outdoors, Horrigan, 31, works out at gyms in Salem to stay in shape.
He also works at the Salem after-school program Camp Fire North Shore and at the occupational therapy practice Project Childhood in Peabody.
Rigby, 23, competes in skiing and gymnastics. She balances athletics with college life at Salem State University, where she takes classes and lives in a dorm. She plays bass and hopes to teach music to children someday.
Advocacy and community
Both athletes remain deeply involved in community organizations that support people with disabilities, including Best Buddies, Northeast Arc and Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism.
Diagnosed with autism in seventh grade, Horrigan also speaks publicly about disability awareness and advocacy. Through programs such as Operation House Call, he has addressed medical students and spoken at the State House about the importance of respect and inclusion.
“I advocate with people who have autism,” he said. “I speak up for myself.”
His message is simple.
“Treat people with respect and dignity,” he said.
A place to shine
For both athletes and their families, the Special Olympics experience has been transformative.
“Grace was always watching her brother and sister play soccer,” said her mother, Kelly Rigby. “She wanted something where they would watch her and where she could win medals because they got medals and their soccer competitions when they won. The Special Olympics allowed for both of those but more importantly, they allowed her to shine and be recognized for her skill and talent.”
Horrigan’s mother, Nancy Norman, added, “As a family, we have benefited from the relationships and the skills that Ryan has built in a safe, nurturing environment. Ryan has established real friendships, which carries over into more social connections and activities in the community.”
That sense of belonging is something Horrigan and Rigby say they hope other athletes will discover as well.
“I totally recommend it,” Horrigan said. “You feel like you’re part of a team.”
