- July 10, 2025
- DawnRatte
- No Comments
Meet Zachary Silva!
What team do you participate on?
I participate on the Wampanoag Warriors team. I joined Special Olympics and the Wampanoag Warriors at the beginning of last year (2024). Before that, I played Unified Sports and was in Unified Theater at Barrington High School.
What sports do you compete in?
I’ve competed in Track, Softball Throw, and Bocce. As far as my favorites, I really enjoy running the 50-meter in track, but I love playing bocce. It is a lot of fun, and I have been playing it with my family since I was little. This summer, I am participating in golf skills for the first time which is exciting because my brother is a good golfer.
Where did you go to school?
I graduated from Barrington High School in 2024 and I am in the transition academy there now.
Do you have a job? If so, tell us about it.
I do not have a job right now because I am still in the transition program, but I am doing a paid program at a nursing home this summer, and I really enjoy it. My dream job someday would be to be an entertainer or work at the Hasbro toy company.
Why did you choose to participate in the Athlete Leadership University (ALU)?
I wanted to learn more about Special Olympics, get more involved in things now that I am an adult, and make new friends.
What have you accomplished through your involvement with ALU?
I learned ways to help my teammates and others stay healthy. My capstone project was about spreading awareness about staying healthy and getting more athletes and volunteers involved. I did two presentations and next year I am going to go to each of the schools in my town to do a presentation and show people that Special Olympics is about sports and competing but also about staying active and being healthy. Sometimes people have trouble understanding me when I talk, so I use a communication device on my iPhone or iPad. The ALU helped me feel more comfortable using it in front of a group and giving short speeches.
What do you enjoy doing for fun?
Building with Legos, collecting BeyBlades, watching movies (especially Star Wars), enjoying musicals, playing video games, listening to music (especially Taylor Swift), and hanging out with my friends and family.
Is there anything else about yourself that you would like to share?
I won a gold medal running the 50-meter race at last year’s summer games. That was really exciting because I used a wheelchair full time until middle school and still use a walker or wheelchair for long distances.
I also went to Kansas City, Kansas last month (June) for a Health Messenger training course, so I’m now an official Special Olympics Health Messenger. I learned a lot about healthy habits to share with my teammates and others, and I made new friends from different states which was really fun.
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!