- September 15, 2025
- DawnRatte
- No Comments
Meet Nikolas Simijis!
What team do you participate on?
I have participated on the Cranston Cyclones since 2016.
What sports do you compete in?
Volleyball, Flag Football, Softball, Track and Field, Soccer, Unified Basketball, and Bowling. I love playing all of these sports.
Where did you go to school?
Cranston East High School from 2013-2017.
Do you have a job? If so, tell us about it.
I am a personal shopper at Whole Foods Market. I prepare grocery orders for people who do online shopping. What I like the most about my job is helping people in my community with their grocery items.
Why did you choose to participate in the Athlete Leadership University (ALU)?
I wanted to be an athlete leader, a sports broadcaster, and to also be part of the podcast SORI is launching this year. I was confident that ALU would give me great skills and experience to strive for these goals.
What have you accomplished through your involvement with ALU?
I’m really proud that I auditioned for a broadcast role on the podcast and earned a spot along with other athlete leaders who applied and submitted an audition video. I’m really looking forward to being involved! Also, I served as an athlete leader during Donut Week last year, telling customers about Special Olympics and how they could support the athletes by purchasing donuts. For my ALU capstone project, I created a Facebook page to maintain updated information about the Cranston Cyclones and Special Olympics. It is called Nik’s Sports Hot Take.
What do you enjoy doing for fun?
I enjoy watching sports and hanging out with my friends and my mentor. I love all Sports teams in New England but I also like the Milwaukee Bucks because of Giannis Antetokoumpo and the Golden State Warriors because of Stephen Curry.
Is there anything else about yourself that you would like to share?
Special Olympics Rhode Island has changed my life tremendously. I have always been shy but now I still might be shy but I can socialize while playing sports I love. Also, I am Greek so I participate in the Cranston Greek festival in Cranston as a dancer.
The Athlete Spotlight Series
The Athlete Spotlight series shines a light on remarkable individuals from Special Olympics Rhode Island who are either currently enrolled in or have successfully completed our Athlete Leadership University program. These inspiring athletes undergo comprehensive leadership training, acquiring both knowledge and skills. Through hands-on experiences in roles of responsibility, they collaborate with leaders who do not have intellectual or developmental disabilities, contributing to the development of inclusive environments. Join us in celebrating these dedicated individuals and their impactful journey within our community!