The time of my life

by Lucas Petrich

When one grows up with an intellectual disability, there are constant reminders of what it feels like to not be included, like being looked at funny or people staying away from you. Yet this unique brain of mine would find purpose in due time.

Inclusion was difficult growing up. Yet, even in my youth, I was making a positive impact by moving my friends to tears with my positive words (though I didn’t recognize it at the time). I had a small group of friends in my school’s special education room, and my family hired a community company to get me out of my comfort box when we lived in North Dakota.

When I moved to Minnesota in 2016, my understanding of inclusion was completely turned upside down. It started with a simple request of, “Hey, do you want to grab some breakfast after work?”

I wished to further entrench myself in this inclusive environment that Minnesota seemed to bring. After many months of trying a variety of different social groups, I decided to join Special Olympics Minnesota in the summer of 2018. I played my favorite sport: softball.

Over the last six years, I have seen success and disappointment and made memories galore.

With so many SOMN memories it’s hard to pick one favorite, so I will keep it to a short list:

• The first medal I ever won was a bronze in coach pitch softball.
• My first gold medal came in Unified basketball after working hard for 5 years.
• Being nominated to serve on the Board of Directors at both the state and national level for the 2026 USA Games.

None of those memories compare to my favorite moments with the people of Special Olympics Minnesota. The staff, volunteers and the true stars: proud athletes. These people are wonderful examples of love, compassion and unity without prejudice that shines a bright light in what may sometimes seem like a dark and unpleasant world.

The unity of the Special Olympics movement is so empowering that even when faced with my toughest challenge, I did not falter. I had to experience a transition like no other when my brother decided to move out, leaving me to take care of a house, buy food and support two dogs with the two jobs I had at the time. The joy of my involvement with SOMN and, most importantly, supporting my fellow athletes gave me strength and still does to this day.

In the eyes of many, six years is a decent amount of time. However, for me that time has gone faster than a strike of lightning. People, memories and opportunities are all aspects of life for which time accelerates, and I am thankful to everyone at SOMN for putting me in the driver seat of my life.

David Booth is a Special Olympics athlete, leader and community advocate. Originally from North Dakota, David now lives in Richfield and has been an active member of the Special Olympics Minnesota community for the past five years. He competes in softball, basketball, poly hockey, tennis and golf. David also serves as an Athlete Representative on the Board of Directors for the 2026 USA Games that will be held in Minnesota, and he played a key role in helping to create the “Circle of Inclusion” logo for the Games. David’s dream is to participate in the USA Games, either as an athlete or a volunteer. He is a champion for the Special Olympics Minnesota movement in whatever role is takes on.

Watch Erik Perkins interview David about his love of aviation