2011 New York Special Olympics

It may be the greatest honor in sports, when an athlete has an opportunity to compete in the Olympics. John Renzi, of Syracuse, is 24-years old and one of those athletes. He’s a goalie for the Onondoga Blues, a floor hockey team in this year’s New York Special Olympics winter games.

As a child, John was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, a form of Autism. He’s been competing in the New York Special Olympics since he was 10-years old.

Hosting the winter games

For the second year in a row Syracuse played host to the winter games. More than 500 athletes and coaches as well as over 1,200 volunteers filled the OnCenter of downtown Syracuse for the opening ceremonies.

The New York Special Olympics program is the largest in the country, sixth largest in the world. Neal Johnson is the President and CEO of the New York Special Olympics.

“What I’m most proud of is the idea that our athletes now, go out and hold jobs and they’re contributing members to society. A lot of it has to do with the confidence they gain and good feelings they have about themselves as they compete in sports,” said Johnson.

That’s the mission of Special Olympics, to help athletes gain confidence and build a positive self-image that they can use in the classroom, at home, at work, and in the community.

It’s certainly helped John in many ways, both at work and at home.

All work, No Play

As the saying goes, all work and no play makes John a dull boy. Not this John. Renzi has worked on south campus of Syracuse University at the fix-it shop for the past three and a half years. His primary job now is work order close outs for campus maintenance requests.

Rusty Tassini is John’s boss. He says John has a larger than life personality, thanks in large-part to they Special Olympics.

“I like to tell the story that he’s like the first warm day in spring when he comes in,” said Tassini. He went on to say, “I don’t know if people have stereotypes of what a person with disabilities can do or can’t do, but John sure has shatered that here.”

At home, it’s no different. John’s mom, Mary-Lee, says it’s his socialization with others that has seen the biggest reward from Special Olympics.

“It’s not just one thing, but over the years how he’s changed. I know it’s being with other people, whether its coaches or athletes and just being appropriate, and growing up and maturing,” she said.

Going for the gold

John was able to help his team win a gold medal for the second year in a row, which was unsurprising to Mary-Lee.

“I used to say Johnnie wouldn’t be able to do this, Johnnie wouldn’t be able to do that..I never say never anymore,” she said.

For now John is enjoying his success. In a few months he plans on competing in the Special Olympic summer games in Utica, NY.