by Lucas Petrich

When I was nine years old, I didn’t consider myself to be an athlete, but little did I know that was about to change. I was first introduced to Special Olympics Minnesota at the age of ten and competed in track and field. During my very first competition, a spirit rose inside me, a competitive spirit that put me on a mission.

I am an athlete!

In the years since, my interest and passion for Special Olympics has grown. I’ve now competed in six different sports, making many friends and acquaintances along the way. It’s been an amazing journey! 

Although I have autism and am intellectually and mentally challenged, that has never stopped the desire to reach my full potential as an athlete and a leader.  I always try to work hard in practice and set a good example for other athletes and coaches.  Special Olympics has provided me with many opportunities to grow and learn as a person.

In more than 15 years of participating in Special Olympics, I have played with four different delegations.  Most recently, I started playing with The Blast and the Savage-Prior Lake Lakers.

This past year, I worked hard and became a certified Special Olympics coach! I coached poly hockey and am coaching track this spring while also playing basketball. So many opportunities! I want to take advantage of them all and become the best person I can be, learn under other people’s leadership and continue to be a role model for those around me.

Attending Leadership University in 2023 was another great learning experience. I have been able to apply much of the knowledge from these classes to who I am today. As a new athlete-coach, I am always looking for new opportunities to explore and possibilities that may lie ahead.

Special Olympics has also taught me the importance of being a part of a community. One community event that I participate in is the Polar Plunge. I have Plunged with The Blast for many years, and the experience is always chilling, but incredible!  Raising money for Special Olympics Minnesota is something I enjoy doing. Being part of the Special Olympics community and Plunging with all your family and friends every year gives people even more of a reason to join in the fun!

Overall, being a part of Special Olympics Minnesota is truly a blessing. The people who run it, Dave Dorn and team, along with the hundreds of volunteers, do an amazing job running the regional and state tournaments. Events are well organized, and the volunteers and staff are super friendly and extremely helpful. Special Olympics coaches also do an amazing job and give a lot of their time and energy to provide the best experience for the athletes. 

I also love how Special Olympics Minnesota has been partnering with Jersey Mike’s. I was proud to be selected as a Special Olympics ambassador at a local Jersey Mike’s. They have phenomenal sandwiches, and they always know how to treat their people and customers right!

I love being a part of the Special Olympics Minnesota community. It put me on a mission when I was just 10 years old, a mission to be the best role model I can be around my family, friends and athletes.

Thank you, Special Olympics Minnesota, for helping me become the person I am today.

About the author

Lucas Petrich is an athlete, coach and community leader. He has competed in multiple sports for Special Olympics Minnesota and serves as a role model for our movement of inclusion.

For this Beyond the Finish Line article, Lucas wanted to share how Special Olympics Minnesota has changed his life. He hopes other people will be encouraged by his words.