Beyond The Medal - Episode 7

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Transcript

SPEAKER_07 0:01

We are all out in collusion. Let me be brave and attempt. We strive for the gold. Powerful voices again and again. We stop. Let them lead. Among them pleads with family. We're gonna lift you up.

unknown 0:51

Beyond the metal.

SPEAKER_06 0:57

Hi everyone, Ed Bachico here, president and CEO of Special Electric Island. Uh today, though, as is always the case, once a month, I have the honor and distinction of serving as one of your hosts for the Beyond the Metal podcast, Stories of Strength and Achievement. And I am here with two of my favorite people in the whole wide world, uh, Mike and Nick. Uh hey guys, say hi to everybody at home. Hello. Hello, everyone. So thrilled. So last month, Mike and Nick, if you can believe it, we celebrated six months, our sixth episode of this podcast.

SPEAKER_04 1:32

It's it's unbelievable that the uh six months has gone by so quickly. It's almost like it wasn't that long ago that we just started doing the podcast, and now here we are in the month of May, and and now here we are like now seven months into it, and uh I think it's gotten more popular each month as as we continue to grow this podcast.

SPEAKER_06 1:54

I I couldn't agree more. Uh, everywhere I go, uh I bump into athletes, as you can imagine, and they're always saying to me, How can I get on the podcast? How can I get on the podcast? And Nick, that's like you and I a few years ago when we were hanging out at SRI TV, and you're saying, Ed, we gotta we gotta do some type of podcast, talk about sports.

SPEAKER_05 2:11

I need to get it on somehow.

SPEAKER_06 2:14

And you know, so here we are. Like, you know, it's it's so funny how those conversations really evolve uh into something is so special as this amazing conversation that we get to have, um, not only uh you know, recording for the podcast, but every day uh with athletes uh all you know all throughout the Steroid Island.

SPEAKER_04 2:31

Yeah, especially with uh our favorite time of month that's uh that will soon be approaching the uh the summer games.

SPEAKER_06 2:37

Well, we were just talking off air, right? It's uh uh we said Christmas in July, but really it's Christmas in May for us because Summer Games is happening in in just about 15 days. I can't even believe it. Yeah, I know.

SPEAKER_04 2:51

It's uh again, it's like it's like it wasn't that long ago. We just had the uh summer games last year, and now here we are just 15 days away from uh another summer games.

SPEAKER_06 3:00

Like we were sitting here we can't forget about June. Yeah, can't forget about June. We we were uh we were just sitting here not too long ago talking about the super plunge, uh, Tortron plunge. And fast forward, it's you know, we've had a couple days where it's 80 degrees out, uh beautiful, um, and it's gonna be gorgeous for the summer games, right? We're gonna have perfect weather, uh, knock on wood, everybody please, at home. Yeah, like that. Um, before we talk summer games, though, I you know, speaking of the podcast, six months, I do every show. I like to talk about how we're making improvements. Uh first off, guys, you look great in those polos. Uh, I just want to say for the record. So official. Uh it's fantastic. Love it. Uh, second, I'm happy to share with all of our viewers and listeners at home. Um, not only can you tune in uh via Facebook and YouTube TV uh and download uh from YouTube, you can now go to Spotify, uh, Apple Podcasts, and iHeart to listen to this podcast. I mean, how cool is that, guys? That's awesome.

SPEAKER_04 4:03

Like you said, we want to continue to grow it. And now that we got like Spotify, Apple, and uh and iHeart. And iHeart, I mean, it's gonna get more people to tune in uh and listen to uh to our podcast.

SPEAKER_06 4:16

The millions and millions of fans, right, Mike?

SPEAKER_04 4:19

Yeah. I I I just can't imagine what he what uh the rock would say if he heard you say that.

SPEAKER_06 4:25

Yeah, well, listen, you you know, we gotta we gotta invoke rock every once in a while. Nick, so I mean, you you love sports, you've been tuning in. Uh, what does it mean to you to hear that we're now gonna be on all those different venues for folks to tune in to listen to what you have to say?

SPEAKER_05 4:40

I feel like it's very cool that they are joining in with the podcast. I feel like it's gonna help a lot.

SPEAKER_06 4:47

Yeah, it will help a lot. It will help a lot because you guys have plenty to talk about, uh, and you certainly have amazing stories uh to share with everybody at home. And and uh I'm just it's an honor and a privilege, guys. It really is uh to be a part of this with you.

SPEAKER_04 5:01

Absolutely. And then hopefully it'll get more people to come out to our uh our Special Olympics events like the Summer Games.

SPEAKER_06 5:08

Yeah, well, listen, if we can, we'll do some interviews at the Summer Games. I hope so. Include them here in the podcast. I think it'd be fantastic to do something like that.

SPEAKER_04 5:17

Oh, yeah, I I I would love that.

SPEAKER_06 5:18

It would be great. Be on the road. Exactly. I think that was one of my Rhode Island. Well, and of course, um obviously we're talking Summer Games. Uh, we have uh some amazing guests today uh for that very topic. Uh so one particular friend, and I should not to go unmention, USA Games, guys, right? So right around the corner is USA Games. Uh so we have uh a few friends are gonna join us today. Um uh Karen Warfield from uh Textron, who has been a huge sponsor of Special Olympics, not only for our annual Summer Games, but also the USA Games. Um incredible partnership, and we're so delighted to have Karen Warfield with us uh to chat about all things uh about our collaboration and partnership. Uh that we have two amazing folks uh with us today, Kevin White, who uh everyone who's come to opening ceremonies at our summer games the last few years, the brilliance behind that is none other than Kevin White, who's gonna be chatting with us uh today. And then I have a special guest from the games management team today. One of your colleagues is gonna be with us. Uh Kathy, the one and only who is also a part of USA Games, who's gonna be representing Team Rhode Island on the national stage. So we have quite the lineup, uh lots to talk about. Um, but what what else is going on, guys? Anything uh I summer games, USA Games uh aside, what else is going on in in your world?

SPEAKER_04 6:46

Well, uh let's just say, well, as a Celtics fan, it was a disappointing end to the season. I agree. I mean, to lose in the first round to the uh to the Sixers was disappointing after the kind of year they had. Uh but hopefully next year will be a much better year for them.

SPEAKER_06 7:04

I I hope so, Mike. I you know, I'm I you know it was it was great as a fan to see them get to the playoffs, um, especially after Tatum being out all season due to injury. Uh but once he came back, you you had this feeling that this was gonna be a magical playoff season. Uh not so magical.

SPEAKER_04 7:20

Uh not so magical, yeah.

SPEAKER_06 7:22

Correct.

SPEAKER_04 7:23

Yeah. And of course, uh when it of course, for you and me, we uh witnessed another another WrestleMania that just that's come and gone. I mean, it's hard to believe that it it's it's already over. And uh it is hard to believe. Yeah, and and I think we both can agree on one thing that the second night was probably better than the first night.

SPEAKER_05 7:42

I think you're right. Nick, did you watch WrestleMania this year? I watched a little bit of it. A little bit. Yeah. I I watched both nights, but uh I'm not I'm not as interested as you guys in the case. No, that's okay. So did you watch the Celtics playoffs? Yes, I watched the Celtics and the Oh I know. I wish I wish we went for their sandwich ruins. Yeah. Three and they went, I mean, they were up three to one.

SPEAKER_06 8:02

They should have won that series. You know, we should have by the way, Derek White, we still love you. We still love you.

SPEAKER_05 8:08

We should have won when Joel and B was out.

SPEAKER_06 8:11

Yes, agreed.

SPEAKER_05 8:12

As some people say, Joel fraud or what on we all reference.

SPEAKER_06 8:18

We celebrate all athletes, right?

SPEAKER_05 8:20

I know, but on uh and on and on basketball reference, they call him fraud fraud beat or something like that.

SPEAKER_04 8:26

And now my sister, and now my sister's really hooked on to it, especially ever since when we went to that Celtics game back in uh February. And she she roots for Derek White every time uh whenever she watches it. I never would have thought that she it took that one night, uh, one day that we went, and she's literally hooked on.

SPEAKER_06 8:45

Yeah. Well, she's I I'm loving the fact that she's so passionate about sports, not only for the Celtics, but uh, you know, not for nothing. She's competing, right? Uh all along now at Special Olympics, which is just incredible and super exciting.

SPEAKER_04 8:58

Yeah, and she's and she's done it for even even longer, uh, longer than I have.

SPEAKER_06 9:03

That's hard to believe, Mike. Yeah. You've been doing it seems like you've been doing this a long time too. You're pretty good at this.

SPEAKER_04 9:09

Yeah, but like I said, she's competed uh much longer than I have.

SPEAKER_06 9:13

Yeah. And Nick, I have to ask, so we I know we mentioned WrestleMania. We mentioned the Celtics. Did e did you watch the Bruins at all?

SPEAKER_05 9:20

Yeah, I watched a little bit of them too, which said that they lost in five.

SPEAKER_06 9:24

We're we're not we're not bad on a thousand guys uh when it comes to Boston sports, not this year. We made it to the Super Bowl, fell short. Celtics got knocked out in the first round, Bruins get knocked out in the first round. Red Talks are tough right now. Uh, you know, the Red Sox we'd like to see more. Right. Wait, wait, yeah, it's still early in the season. We'll give them the benefit. I know.

SPEAKER_04 9:42

Well, hopefully uh with the Patriots, uh especially with their schedule that's uh that's gonna be coming out, uh hopefully we can expect uh another good season from them.

SPEAKER_06 9:52

Yeah, I hope so. I was excited about the draft. Yeah.

SPEAKER_05 9:55

I'm just more worried about the whole Diana Farusso versus Mike Rabel. We talk sports, Nick. We don't talk about that sometimes. I know, but I'm just saying it's part of it.

SPEAKER_06 10:04

Yeah, we talk sports. But the but you know, for what it comes down to what we expect to be on the field, you know, I'm excited to see those players get another crack at it because they I'll tell you, they came together as a team, and uh, Nick, as you and I talked about, Drake May, wow. Yes. Holy moly, he he looked amazing this past year.

SPEAKER_04 10:21

Yeah, and the thing, and the thing I wonder is then how many of these pro athletes are gonna be uh taking part in the upcoming uh uh Special Olympics USA games that are gonna be out there to support the uh the athletes that are gonna be competing uh at the USA Games.

SPEAKER_06 10:35

Well, we're gonna talk about just that. Uh and when we come back with uh Karen Warfield and our again, our our friends from Textron, uh, because uh one of the amazing athletes that is going to be there is the honorary chair of the airlift, which is none other than Hall of Fame quarterback uh Peyton Manning. And that just goes to show you what we can look forward to here at Special Olympics and how celebrated our athletes, not only here in Rhode Island, but all throughout the United States, are. Uh so we're gonna take a quick break. Uh, it was so good to see both of you. I'm excited for this uh episode of Beyond the Metal podcast to share with the two of you. We're gonna come back after a quick break with our friend Karen Warfield from Textron to talk about her collaboration with Special Olympics and why it's important not only to her, but all of her colleagues at Textron. Welcome back to this episode of the Beyond the Metal Podcast, Stories of Strengths and Achievement. I am your host, Ed Bachico, and I am joined once again by the one and only Mr. Mike Bullock.

SPEAKER_04 11:34

Well, it's good to be on and uh looking forward to uh talking more about some uh some things that are coming up, like one of them being the USA games.

SPEAKER_06 11:42

And summer games.

SPEAKER_04 11:43

And summer games too.

SPEAKER_06 11:44

There's a few things happening. Oh, yeah.

SPEAKER_04 11:46

Oh, there's a lot.

SPEAKER_06 11:47

There's a lot, there's a lot going on. Uh, and I am so excited uh to welcome uh my friend uh Karen Borfield from Textron to talk about just an amazing partnership that we that Special Olympics and Techtron have had for so many years. But Textron, say I mean Textron, Karen, say hi to everyone at home for me.

SPEAKER_03 12:06

Hi, thank you for having me.

SPEAKER_06 12:07

Thank you for having me.

SPEAKER_03 12:08

I'm excited to be here and to talk about all we do together.

SPEAKER_06 12:11

It's it it's incredible. Mike and I were talking earlier, um, and we were talking off air, right? That all the different stories about how Textron's been involved, the different USA games that you guys have supported, the summer games that you've come out to volunteer for year after year. Uh, you know, first off, uh let's answer the the most important question. Why does TechShron get involved uh with Special Olympics?

SPEAKER_03 12:36

Well, we care about our community. We care about what's happening here in Rhode Island. We were founded here in Rhode Island. We're proud to support our community, and just watching and being involved with the Special Olympics and watching the athletes um just thrive is just amazing. And I'll say our employees that have come and volunteered, they want to be there year after year after year. So it's great. Um it started more than 25 years ago. I know we had an employee that had a child that was a Special Olympian, and I think that's where it started before my time. Oh, that's awesome.

SPEAKER_04 13:13

Yeah, I didn't know that. Did you know that, Mike? I did not know that either. But that's that's awesome. I mean, so what's it like when you see these athletes out there uh thriving and uh and competing hard uh at the at the summer games?

SPEAKER_03 13:27

Well, so I'm in under the tent, we do the field clerking with the softball throw and the javelin, and this year we're doing the shop but um so I'm running around like a little chicken with my head cut off, making sure everything is going right under the tent, and we have we have the athletes in their right heats and their rows, but I know that our people out in the boxes, they just they just love it. They're cheering them on. They just are so excited to see you all compete and how hard you try and the excitement all the athletes have, and that's why they want to come back every year, and you know, the hugs they get and the high fives.

unknown 14:03

I love that.

SPEAKER_06 14:04

Well, Karen, I you know, you and I have known each other for a long time. Yes. Uh going back to probably about 2005, 2006. Uh, and I I have to say I've never seen you more excited to be involved in nonprofit than your time with Special Olympics. And and recently, first off, thank you for inviting Sam Fox and I to come talk to all your colleagues.

SPEAKER_03 14:23

Uh I'm getting emotional.

SPEAKER_06 14:25

That was that was so but talk to me a little bit about that because it you know that you've been doing this a long time and and this is personal for you, right? Because you you know you you really love the work that you're doing on behalf of Rhode Islanders.

SPEAKER_03 14:36

Yeah. I will say um I've been with TexRun 21 years in the community affairs realm. Before that, I worked in nonprofit and social service. So definitely helping the community is just in my DNA. So it's my sweet spot. And I'm just so blessed to be able to do what I do. Um so 2005 is when I started at TexRon. And um just giving back I visit all the organizations we support, but being with the athletes, just as special. My husband's cousin was a special Olympian. The old timers would remember him. Jimmy Hill, his name was. Um, and so that too was also a special holds a special place.

SPEAKER_04 15:22

Oh, that's great. Yeah, yeah, I can see you getting emotional. Yeah, I'm sorry. No, it's okay. Don't apologize.

SPEAKER_06 15:29

We we get emotional all the time. Exactly. It's hard, it's hard not to get caught up in these moments of joy and celebration. Yeah. You know, not just for the athletes, but then when you have a chance to see a family member, a mom, a dad, and uh, you know, grandfather, a grandmother, uh, fan friends and family, anyone, and just what it means to them for their loved one to have these moments. And and uh, you know, I I I'm curious, you know, so we Sam did an amazing job talking with all your colleagues. I did. Uh I I've heard we've had an amazing response for signups, but what were some of the things that you heard from from uh your you know colleagues after that presentation?

SPEAKER_03 16:10

I mean, I I think that presentation really spurred them on because we have a lot of employees that haven't done it before that signed up. So I think hearing we had a couple employees speak about their experience, and that really stirred stirred the pot and got the early career professionals to uh want to sign up and be there. So I you know, they're just really excited about it.

SPEAKER_04 16:36

Yeah, and of course now you guys are gonna be sponsoring uh Team Rhode Island that's gonna be going to the USA Games. So what's it like to uh to see these athletes that are gonna be going to Minnesota and competing uh on the on a on the grand stage in uh in Minnesota?

SPEAKER_03 16:51

Yeah. The airlift down in at our hangar, so we own Cessna jets, and so we have two of our um corporate jets. We have two here in Rhode Island, so those are being volunteered to uh fly out uh 16 or 17 of the athletes and staff. And um you'll see when you get there, the planes actually have these gold emblems on them, little stickers, and those are for every airlift they've done. And I I think there are six or eight of them on one of our planes. Oh, that's awesome. So um we have about 50 employees and family that'll be there to share them on. So it's gonna be a full house. We're excited. Um we're gonna just be there to cheer you on, get you organized. When I do this, I kind of get in a zone.

SPEAKER_04 17:41

So Yeah, you want to be in that zone. Yeah, and and I And then afterwards I go, oh and I and I know from experience because uh I've been in one of those uh those planes, and this was back at the the very first USA Games uh when it was held in Ames, Iowa back in 2006, and I got to go in one of those planes, and it's just great that they were able to donate all those those planes for Team Rhode Island to be able to go to Iowa and to compete like I was able to, and uh and it was just an awesome experience. I mean, not just getting to fly in those planes, but the overall experience of competing at the first ever USA games.

SPEAKER_03 18:19

Yeah, congratulations. That's great.

SPEAKER_04 18:22

I actually got like two bronze and a fourth place ribbon. Uh and just to be able to say that I actually meddled at the USA Games was a a big time uh achievement for me.

SPEAKER_03 18:31

Hi five, bud.

SPEAKER_06 18:33

That is that is pretty awesome, I guess. And and and and Karen, I mean, case in point, right? These athletes take these memories with them for a lifetime and and you know, just to kind of set the stage too. So Summer Games uh is May 29th, 30th, and 31. Um Textron is a proud sponsor and volunteers at the Summer Games. And of course, as Mike just mentioned, not to be all done and or forgotten right after that is USA Games in Minnesota, which is June 20th through 26th. But we have a special event, Mike, you were talking about just a moment ago. Karen, you know, we have an airlift that'll happen on June 19th. We gotta get all the athletes out there, right?

SPEAKER_08 19:10

Yes, yes.

SPEAKER_06 19:11

And um, how awesome, you know, to be able to have a private jet to take our delegation to Minnesota.

SPEAKER_03 19:18

I don't get to fly on it very often, you know. So having you guys be able to do it is really a good treat for you. Um and there's nothing you said you've been online, there's nothing like flying a private corporate jet. Yeah. You know, Textorn Aviation, like I said, we don't have only maybe a handful live that long. And but um Textoran Aviation uh that we own in Wichita, they coordinate this whole thing. And we have over 200 um 200 jets. I have to have my cheat, sorry, cheat. Um we have 120 planes transporting more than a thousand athletes across the country into Minnesota, and they have to they coordinate not just Rhode Island, what time you have to leave, but all the planes coming, what time they leave, what time they come in. They work with the TSA and the flight control people, and they're called doves. All the planes are called doves. So they get priority. So the commercial jets have to sometimes hold their airspace so that the doves can come in.

SPEAKER_06 20:28

That is super cool. And Mike, we you you we were just talking a little while ago um about uh who's partnering with Textron and the airlift to to celebrate this amazing milestone and contribution. Um who the don't we have an honorary chairperson for the airlift, right, Karen?

SPEAKER_03 20:46

We do?

SPEAKER_06 20:46

Who is that?

SPEAKER_03 20:47

I don't know.

SPEAKER_06 20:48

I think it's Peyton Manning.

SPEAKER_03 20:49

Oh, oh, for the national. I thought you were talking local. Yes, Peyton Manning. He did it last time too. Which is incredible. He's amazing.

SPEAKER_04 20:56

Yeah, I just wonder if he'll be saying Omaha while uh Oh yeah. No, I don't want to hear that.

SPEAKER_03 21:01

No, no.

unknown 21:02

No.

SPEAKER_04 21:02

Just to throw that out there.

SPEAKER_03 21:04

But he's friends with Tom Brady now that they've both retired. They're friends. But um he I heard that he does his best to high-five every athlete coming off every jet.

SPEAKER_06 21:14

That's awesome. So in in 22, uh, when we held a similar event, um, I remember the team talking about how there were two people that were on the tarmac to say hi to the delegation. Uh one of them was Peyton Manning and the other one was Tim Tebow that went out of their way to go out and say hello. And and and again, it just shows you the the partners that Textron brings to the table to really celebrate the athletes. Yeah.

SPEAKER_03 21:37

Yeah. Kudos to Textron Aviation. We just do the small part here in Rhode Island to get our Rhode Island delegate out and delegates out and you know, cheer you on to go for the gold. Thank you. And if you can't, be brave in doing that.

SPEAKER_06 21:50

Yeah. I I love it. I love it. Well, it's it's a it is no small contribution to have all those volunteers, both at the summer games and the USA Games. Um, we rely on uh partnerships uh like with TechStron to be able to do what we do here at Special Olympics. And um I I know I can say thank you, but really uh Mike's the best person.

SPEAKER_04 22:10

Yeah, I was gonna say thank you for what you uh what you do for us athletes and but especially for those that are gonna be going to Minnesota to enjoy the experience, like I said, that I once had. Uh so thank you. And uh we know you're gonna continue to support the athletes at Special Olympics for Island.

SPEAKER_03 22:26

We want to, we want to, and that's our plan. And we look forward to sending a bunch of you off and then greeting those that couldn't take the jet over on their way back with their medals in hand.

SPEAKER_06 22:36

Can't wait. Can't wait. I can't wait. That's gonna be a lot of hardware, Mike.

SPEAKER_04 22:40

Oh, that's gonna be a lot of the uh for our delegation. That's gonna be uh hopefully they'll be uh bringing home a lot of medals. Uh a lot of medals, I'm sure of it.

SPEAKER_06 22:49

That's right. Well, Karen, I can't wait to celebrate Summer Games with you. Um I can't wait to see all your colleagues out there volunteering. I know how much they look forward to it.

SPEAKER_08 22:57

Yeah.

SPEAKER_06 22:58

Um and obviously the airlift, we're looking forward to that as well. Um, thank you for all that you do on behalf of all of our athletes here at Special Microsoft Island and their families. Uh, you are a life changer in every way, shape, or form. You're you're making an impact that is unmeasurable in every way, shape, or form.

SPEAKER_03 23:15

It's all about text run. I just do the work for them. And, you know, we're so proud to be part of it.

SPEAKER_06 23:22

Yeah, awesome. Well, thank you.

SPEAKER_03 23:24

Thank you.

SPEAKER_06 23:24

Well, everybody, um this was just a part of our conversation today, Mike. Yep. Um we have we have to we get to talk to two of the people that are really behind the scenes with our volunteer games management team uh to make the magic happen at opening ceremonies and Olympic Village, uh, working with all our volunteers like at Textron. And so uh we're gonna take a short break, uh, but don't go away. Uh we'll be right back uh to chat with those amazing volunteers and an athlete leader who is really the voice of all the athletes on the theme and all the subjects that we talk about when it comes to summer games. We'll also be competing at the USA Games. And competing at the USA Games.

SPEAKER_00 24:04

We'll be right back.

SPEAKER_06 24:20

Uh we have a particularly big event coming up, right, Nick? Yes. What event is that? That is the Rhode Island State Summer Games. That's right. By the way, uh Nick has a new nickname. We're gonna call him West because uh he told me he's the Jerry West of Special Olympics uh before we went on here. Uh if you see the logo, um we'll show you in a moment because I'm gonna introduce Kathy. Um, the logo with the torch is actually Nick from a photo that we took years ago, yeah? 22. So from now on, you're West.

SPEAKER_05 24:54

Chris Hopkins and Dennis are the final state summer games.

SPEAKER_06 24:58

I love it. I love it. Hops, shout out to you. I hope all is well. We'll see you at Summer Games. Uh, we have two friends here, Nick, uh, that are really a part of the decision making and making the magic happen behind the scenes. Uh, one of my favorite events, by the way, opening ceremonies uh specifically. But let me introduce the one and only Kathy Kozonos. Hi, Kathy.

SPEAKER_01 25:19

Hi.

SPEAKER_06 25:21

Tell everybody, Kathy, what it is that you do as an athlete leader and what brings you here today.

SPEAKER_01 25:27

Oh, what I do as an athlete leader is I help the athletes. I try to listen to their voices. And last year there were a lot of opinions. So I made sure that when this year's theme came out, am I allowed to say the fame?

SPEAKER_06 25:43

Yeah, go for it.

SPEAKER_01 25:44

The feme of the dance is tie dye. So I made sure I hold up the hat so everybody could see.

SPEAKER_06 25:51

Yeah, let's go tie-dye.

SPEAKER_01 25:53

Let's go tie-dye. By the way, this is Nick.

SPEAKER_06 25:57

There's Nick. There's the Jerry West of Special Olympics.

SPEAKER_01 26:00

So yeah.

SPEAKER_06 26:03

And we have uh one of our amazing volunteers, friends, and leaders within Special Olympics who um doesn't get enough love uh when it comes to opening ceremonies. That is the one and only Kevin White. Hey everybody, how are you doing? It's great to be here. We're thrilled to have you.

SPEAKER_02 26:18

I had an amazing time uh learning all the places uh where Nick's uh Jerry West visage is between all the hats, the trucks, the marketing material. It's it's impressive. I did not know. I just met him as well. He's gonna co-host the podcast, and I didn't know he was a legend.

SPEAKER_06 26:38

He is definitely a legend. All of our athletes are legends. True story.

SPEAKER_02 26:43

True story.

SPEAKER_06 26:43

So, Kev, you have we have to tell everybody at home. So you're not just a volunteer full-time. Uh tell uh tell everybody a little bit about what you do for full-time work uh that led you here to Special Olympics.

SPEAKER_02 26:54

Absolutely. So probably uh I'm guessing now the the years start to go away, right? You start to lose them. But I think it's been about 32 years that I've been producing events around the world. And uh my company got involved uh back in 2018 with the USA Games opening ceremonies that happened in Seattle. And um for me and for our company, I think it was game changing. It really altered our view of the world and altered our view of of what's important. And so from that moment, we we just promised ourselves we would be involved with Special Olympics however we could to make things happen. Um and so a couple of years back, uh, we moved up and moved in the middle of the pandemic to Rhode Island, and almost immediately, because we're we're neighbors with one of the organizers, um Brian, uh, but he said, Hey, you know, we got we I know it's small, but we got this, got this these state games. It's not it's not USA games, but will you would you help? And and of course, I just said of course. I mean there's there's no other way to do it. So I've been just trying to help do event production for the opening ceremonies. It's a really I mean, in my eyes, I'm doing next to nothing. But you know, people are, you know, I think the group is a very passionate group, and it's amazing to get involved and to help lead and guide and and shift because the the opening I think sets the tone for the entire for the entire weekend for all of the games and uh Oh, it really does.

SPEAKER_06 28:28

Yeah. And you're not giving yourself enough credit here, Kev, for the record. I mean, Kathy, what would you say about opening ceremonies, especially the last few years?

SPEAKER_01 28:36

Um I would definitely say as an athlete the last two years that the opening ceremonies have evolved, and I would say they're more entertainment. It's more what you would think of in opening ceremony.

SPEAKER_06 28:51

That's awesome. Nick, what do you think? You think opening ceremonies is is uh gotten bigger and better, building on the success of the past, but now a few more bells and whistles.

SPEAKER_05 29:01

Yes, I especially liked the video a few years ago when Derek White did the video.

SPEAKER_06 29:05

Yeah, that was cool. That was cool. See, that's two Derek White references today. We talked about the Celtics earlier. We love Derek White, uh, who's involved in Special Olympics, and and uh yes, he did do a video uh for all the athletes a few years ago. But so, you know, uh uh Kathy, you you know, we're we're constantly planning for summer games, right? It's not something we just started a couple weeks ago. Uh we've been doing this for the last eight, nine months, right?

SPEAKER_05 29:30

Yeah.

SPEAKER_06 29:30

And and you've been uh an the athlete representative at the table with the games management team. Um talk to me a little bit about that experience for you and and what it's meant to be a part of those conversations.

SPEAKER_01 29:42

It's been a lot to be part of the conversations. I've liked the fact that they're open to not only the CEO is happy to include the athletes, but I'm happy that a lot of companies like I'm sorry to say it is about Celtics, but uh we gotta get some WWE. So Triple H, if you're listening, uh come on down to State Summer Games and come see us. Uh, you know, we're huge wrestling fans.

SPEAKER_06 30:15

Open invitation, Triple H.

SPEAKER_01 30:16

Just open triple, yeah. This is an open invitation. I hope you're listening. So um I would say as an athlete that the athletes are really happy that their voices are finally being heard. And I think it's making the games more their WrestleMania. It's making it like they're they are the ones in the stars. They are the spotlight. And I really like that. So thank you, Ed, for letting the athletes be the voice. Thank you.

SPEAKER_06 30:52

Oh, well, don't think me. It's everybody, the collective, right, Kath. It's it's uh I'll tell you one thing I love, Kev, that we've done, I think really have set the tone and been a leader on in Rhode Island is unified leadership, uh what that represents. And case in point, right? We're we're doing this podcast. There's no script, folks, right? I say this all the time. We're we're just having a conversation, and and this, these are two of many athlete leaders. And uh, you know, and you Kev, you've seen now in the last three years being involved what that looks like, and and just think about those speeches that we've heard at opening ceremonies.

SPEAKER_02 31:26

That's right. And uh and again, you know, I rem I remember my first uh example in Seattle where you know the announcers um everyb top to bottom, every part of the show involved, you know, everyone. And it feels like it's not speaking to them, it's it's involving everybody, so it all the messaging is from them. And uh I love it that um we you get the feedback, you get the input, and you get the action and the leadership. Um, because you know, I'm I'm a newbie, so I sit back and like like I I in the 20 minutes of waiting from the last section of the podcast, I learned so much from from Nick and Kathy, and I'm like, tell me more, tell me more. Like I I I I wanna and I gotta know. And then you realize just how much knowledge and wisdom that they've got that you just say, How are how would we not have everybody um leading this? And so it it it's truly amazing.

SPEAKER_06 32:29

Yeah, no, it's a great team effort. We're we're you know, I say it all the time, I'm spoiled along with the entire staff here at Special Olympics. We get to work with incredible people every single day, which is just an honor and a privilege. And that, you know, so looking forward to this year's summer games, uh Nick, so uh case everybody doesn't know at home, right? Sor our opening ceremony is when? Do you remember? May 29th. Nope. 30th. The 30th. Why? Because we moved it to We moved it a day. We moved it a day to the morning time, right? Yes. And we did that. Yeah, we did that because Kathy, we did that because of the feedback we got from athletes and families.

SPEAKER_01 33:04

Yes. Uh the feedback was very pronounced. Um while the families kind of said, you know, hey, Friday's kind of tough for us, you know. And, you know, it is because they have to work. They're coming straight from work in a high traffic time. And not a lot of the athletes see their family. And I think all of us saw their faces, their long faces, and we're like, okay, we gotta do something.

SPEAKER_06 33:30

And we did, right? We did it. So it's gonna be it's gonna be amazing because you guys uh we have the athlete welcome dance at barbecue on Friday now, Kev, which is uh what's the theme?

SPEAKER_01 33:40

Tie-eye!

SPEAKER_06 33:42

I love it. Last year uh was Hawaiian. This year is tie dye. I can't wait to see what that looks like. Uh and playlists, Kath, right? What did what's some of the highlights? Do you remember?

SPEAKER_01 33:53

Um, I have some Beatles. I have I definitely uh good song from the Beatles, Hey Jude, Yellow Submarine. All right. So uh I definitely have ABBA on there, Dancing Queen. I have I definitely put in all the hip songs because I know our athletes like to boogie.

SPEAKER_06 34:13

They do they definitely like to dance.

SPEAKER_01 34:15

So I made sure to put in some of them, some Terra Swift. If you guys are Terra Swift fans, uh there's some Terra songs on there as well. So, you know, come on down, come have a great time with the athletes.

SPEAKER_02 34:29

I might have to get Kathy in on some of our events because that's a pretty I love that design. I mean, you've you've nailed the tie-dyed psychedelic like mix there. It's it's perfect. Yeah. I want to go to this thing.

SPEAKER_06 34:40

Yeah, well, we're we're gonna be there doing a rehearsal. So we're gonna have to go over and check this out, Kev. This is gonna be awesome. And I'll tell you, if it's anything like last year, which was spectacular, the the athlete dance, this year is gonna be just as exciting, if not more exciting. Yeah. Uh and so we're gonna athlete welcome dance. Um we're gonna the athlete's gonna stay over in the dorms. First thing in the morning is opening ceremonies, Kev. What are what are some of the things that everybody at home can look forward to at opening ceremonies this year?

SPEAKER_02 35:07

Well, for I mean, you say this year, but every year, I think the the biggest moment, the biggest energy, the biggest sort of, you know, what everyone looks forward to is the parade of athletes. And that always brings it brings all the energy that lasts for the next couple of days. So I love that. We're gonna have um, as always, we're gonna have some surprise video hellos. Yeah. Can't promise Derek White, um, but uh that's always a wonderful surprise because we're indoors, not the same as outdoors. They're redoing the stadium, so we're indoors at the arena, but uh there's gonna be a pretty cool, some pretty cool special effects for the lighting of the of the cauldron. Um so we're we're really and and a couple of actually really great uh performances. Um we have some um unified groups, entertaining groups. So it's gonna be like, all right, so we're gonna see some really cool dance, some really cool singing, stuff that's never happened before, I think, at the opening ceremonies. So um the classics are there, like the like the parade of athletes, but also we gotta innovate. You gotta keep gotta keep making it happen because these guys are demanding, right? They keep making this better. So there's a lot of pressure. I I feel I've done this a long time, but I feel a lot of pressure to keep it going. The bar gets raised every year. Every year. Every year. Every year, but you know what? So do the athletic performances. So you got you gotta raise the bar with with the performance of of the weekend. So we're just keeping pace, but it's a it's an honor and a privilege to, as Kathy said, like put the attention where where it needs to be, which is um these these athletes really um give it their all all year round. So this is their moments probably you know on the field, on the on the athletic, you know, within the athletic competitions, but really our our moment to honor you is is in these opening ceremonies.

SPEAKER_06 37:02

So yeah, and and just so everybody at home knows, uh opening ceremonies is on May 30th at 9:30 in the Ryan Center. It is open and free to the public. So anyone can come on down and check it out. And if so, if you want to be inspired, if you want to see these athletes in all of their glory as they march into the Ryan Center, uh, and all the spectacular parts of opening ceremonies from the parade of athletes to the torch being uh coming in as a part of the final leg and our friends at Lawrence Force torch run and lighting the cauldron, you could look forward to all of that on May 30th at 9:30.

SPEAKER_01 37:37

Not only the Parade of Athletes, but we also have a big, huge event coming after State Summer Games. We do of a 2026 uh USA Games, and not only you're gonna see athletes, you're also gonna see come on down and see Team Rhode Island. We will be marching in. Yeah. So um come on down and you know, so come see some expedition games they'll be doing throughout the weekend. Come see our friends at AW, our wrestling friends.

SPEAKER_06 38:13

R RWA.

SPEAKER_01 38:15

Yes, RWA wrestling friends. RWA friends will be there.

SPEAKER_06 38:19

So if you with the ring, Kathy.

SPEAKER_01 38:21

With the ring. They are coming back by popular demand. The athletes have spoken. They have said, you know, last year was eh, but we really want to see some wrestling. So can you bring the ring back? So they're bringing the ring back.

SPEAKER_06 38:40

I love it. I love it. So uh and so just to give you an idea, Kathy, how we kind of tied it all together. Our power lifters that are going to the USA Games are gonna do uh a lifting competition up against the RWA wrestlers in Olympic Village. I know where I've got my money. I know where I've got my money on that one. So we're gonna have exhibitions all weekend. So if you want to come down, as Kathy made mention to see Team Rhode Island before they set off to Minnesota, this would be a great opportunity to see Team Rhode Island in all 1,200. I just want to emphasize that. 1,200 athletes will be competing at this year's Summer Games. The largest uh number of athletes since COVID. That is all coming down to University of Rhode Island. Nick, how's that sound seeing all your friends down there at URI?

SPEAKER_05 39:29

It's really cool because I get to see some people who don't usually participate participate in the Special Olympics for state summer games.

SPEAKER_06 39:39

Yeah, it's awesome. Now, uh now, Nick, do you stay over in the dorms at URI? Kathy?

SPEAKER_01 39:44

Yes, I do.

SPEAKER_06 39:45

Kev?

SPEAKER_02 39:46

I've done it before. I might not have gotten the best night of sleep that night. Uh no, I will be there.

SPEAKER_06 39:57

Spectacular. We love you, URI.

SPEAKER_02 39:58

We love you, URI. Absolutely. I think it had to do with just the the the sweet mates. It was a little rowdy. Rowdy. Okay. Rowdy. They're too excited? Everybody's everybody's excited to be there. It's it's a it's a joyous kind of moment. And uh I might edit what you said. Hey, you know, come on down and check it out uh on the morning of the of the 30th for the opening ceremony. So don't come down and check it out. Come down and make the most noise humanly possible in support and and throw your energy and your love into uh an amazing, just boom, just a big the big bang of the weekend. So if you can make it down at any any part of the weekend is so incredible. So if you can get it down to any time, uh I am pushing for the opening ceremonies, but uh any other part is just as incredible.

SPEAKER_06 40:44

Yeah, it I'll tell you, Kathy hit the nail in the head earlier. This really is our athletes' WrestleMania, their Super Bowl. I've been saying that since I joined Special Olympics, and every year we're trying to deliver more and more and more. So, you know, now so opening ceremonies is on Saturday morning. We have Olympic Village both days, by the way. Um, so there'll be activities happening for athletes on both May 30th and 31st, um, all weekend long. Food trucks. We have our friends uh from all different food truck companies are coming out throughout the weekend. Uh healthy athletes will be happening uh on Saturday and Sunday. So athletes that are looking for opportunity to learn more about dental hygiene, healthy choices, strong minds, all right. Which is our newest one. That is our newest one. Strong minds is our newest one. Incredible, incredible volunteers from different uh walk, you know, healthcare uh needs. Uh Blue Cross at Blue Shield, Delta Dental will be on site uh along with all of the clinicians that'll be there. It really is gonna be a jam-packed weekend. I there's so much happening, and the best of all is the competition throughout the weekend, right, guys? Yes. So now you both have competed, Nick and Kathy.

SPEAKER_01 41:53

Yes.

SPEAKER_06 41:53

Nick, tell me um what's it like uh to compete and then walk up onto that award stand to receive that medal?

SPEAKER_05 42:00

It's always fun. I always like that part. Yeah, what a part of it. I mean, I I'm competitive, so I like the the competitions. You like the competition? The winning. I like the win. I like the winning. How many medals do you have on the wall, Nick? A lot.

SPEAKER_06 42:15

A lot.

SPEAKER_08 42:16

Too many.

SPEAKER_06 42:20

It's always enjoyable. Awesome. Kathy, how about you? What does it what does it mean to walk up onto that award stand and get that medal?

SPEAKER_01 42:26

Um it feels great to feel empowered. It feels great to feel like you're the star of the show. Like, when you watch a lot of people, like you don't think, oh that'll be me someday. But it it is you, like what I tell the athletes is this is your Super Bowl, this is your time to shine. Just like all your idols you grow up watching, they're not watching you, they are inspired by you. You inspire the world. So, what I would say to the athletes is give it your all. But if you can't, you were brave in that attempt.

SPEAKER_06 43:09

Well said. Well said. That's awesome. Very cool. And and um, Nick, what are you competing in this year? I will be doing track and field. Kathy?

SPEAKER_01 43:18

Um, I am not competing because of USA Games, but I will be in an expedition game bowling on Sunday at Old Mountain Wains.

SPEAKER_06 43:29

Very cool. Well, you'll be competing, you'll just be showing off as a part of Team Rhode Island. What people can expect in Minnesota, right? Yes. That's so cool.

SPEAKER_01 43:38

Yeah, I'm just not getting a medal because my journey does not end at Summer Games.

SPEAKER_06 43:43

Oh, I like that. Ooh. Ooh, the mics are on fire. Hold on. That's right.

unknown 43:48

That's right.

SPEAKER_06 43:50

Well, this is awesome. I I, you know, just to remind everyone, Summer Games uh this year at the University of Rhode Island is May 29th, May 30th, and 31st. There's something happening all three days, but in particular on Saturday and Sunday, come down, see opening ceremonies. As Kevin just said, cheer your loudest, pour your heart out for these athletes because they are going to leave it all out there on the field, on the court, every competition that they'll be participating in. And they'll be competing all day on Saturday and all day on Sunday, May 30th and 31st. Guys, I'm looking forward to this. This is, I'll tell you, this is one of the most inspiring things I've ever been a part of in my life. And I know I speak for all of us here at Special Rhode Island when I say we're going to be cheering for you every step of the way. You guys are rock stars. Kev, thank you so much for all that you do on behalf of our athletes and their families. Now everybody has to look for Kevin at opening ceremonies, running around, helping to direct everything. That's right. But thank you both, Kathy and Nick. You guys are amazing. Thank you. If you want to come and meet Nick and Kathy and all of their friends, uh come down to the Summer Games again on May 29th, 30th, and 31st. We would love to see you there. I'm your host, Ed Bochico. We'll be right back after a short break. Welcome back. I'm your host, Ed Bachico, and I'm here with my two incredible co-hosts, Dick Simagis and Mike Bullock. Hey guys. This has been quite the episode.

SPEAKER_04 45:20

Yeah, it's been one heck of an episode.

SPEAKER_06 45:22

I, you know, uh I don't know what's more exciting. I really don't. I I can't contain myself between summer games and USA games.

SPEAKER_04 45:29

I mean, you gotta be excited for both of them.

SPEAKER_06 45:31

They're both big events. They are huge events. They are huge events. And and uh, you know, we talk about all the time, guys. Um, this has got to be one of the most inspiring moments that on an annual basis that Rhode Islanders can be a part of. And I guess, Mike, for you, what does it mean for everyone watching and listening at home to take the time to come down and cheer on you and your fellow athletes competing at the summer games?

SPEAKER_04 45:56

I think it means a lot. I mean, just to see like a lot of people out uh cheering for us, and who knows, maybe it'll be like hey, we will maybe we'd like to come and uh watch another Special Olympics for Island event or even just make a donation just to see how much I mean I mean how important it is for like event like to be able to be like, hey, we we got a lot of events going on, we gotta make sure we raise enough money for uh because as we always say, no athlete ever pays to c to create.

SPEAKER_06 46:28

That's right. This I mean we put on this huge event, I mean a major event for twelve hundred athletes, yeah. Um over two thousand volunteers, well over two thousand fans throughout the weekend. Uh no athlete pays to participate. Period. It is this is all free to the athletes of Special Epics.

SPEAKER_04 46:46

Yeah, exactly. I mean Yeah, so I mean, and that's why it's important to have like fundraising events uh like the like the Plunge Weekend or the um Saver the Flavors. I mean, those fundraising events are so important when it comes to raising the amount of money to make sure that athletes like Nick and myself, we don't have to pay to participate.

SPEAKER_06 47:08

Right. And and in every film through donation makes a difference. Yeah, that's and we and partnerships and volunteers, right? Nick, we you know, we had a chance to talk to uh Karen Warfield and Textron, Mike and I earlier, and just the emotion that we could see from Karen and how much it meant to her, uh, right? And now you have uh a friend, right, a roommate that participates directly in Special Olympics, right? And he's going to USA Games.

SPEAKER_05 47:33

Yes, he won't be going to the USA Games.

SPEAKER_06 47:35

Yeah. I mean, you know, so what does it mean to you to have someone in your life that is involved in Special Olympics? Uh and and you know, it's gotta be mean the world to you, right?

SPEAKER_05 47:44

Yes. It's crazy because he he the only reason why he joined Special Olympics was because of me.

SPEAKER_06 47:51

I mean, that must make you feel pretty good.

SPEAKER_05 47:53

Yes.

SPEAKER_06 47:54

Right? I mean, I I you know, I you've been involved with Special Olympics for how long now?

SPEAKER_05 48:00

Well, if you count middle school in high school, I do. Okay, then 17 20 years?

SPEAKER_06 48:11

Almost. Oh, almost 20 years. That's pretty incredible. And Mike, you've been doing it for how long?

SPEAKER_04 48:16

Yeah, since like uh 1997. So it's been quite a long time.

SPEAKER_06 48:21

Wow. Wow. I mean, we're talking north of 50 years between the two of you. That's pretty incredible. Awesome, fantastic. And it and I, you know, so I I think about every summer games, there's always another memorable moment. There's, you know, just when you think you've seen it all, you have not seen it all, right? You come down and you get that one athlete that runs up to you and gives you a big hug, or you get an athlete who uh is celebrating with their family and friends. Uh it's just a spectacular event to be a part of. Yep. And it Nick, do you have a moment that you think back to and you and you say to yourself, wow, that was a pretty incredible moment. Any summer games. I'd say lighting lighting the torch. Lighting the torch. That's right. Oh my gosh, right? So the Jerry West. Yep. You're on the trailer for Crown Loud. That's amazing. Right outside the window. That was a pretty I was there for that. That was a pretty incredible moment. You and a member of L E T R Chip uh from Pawtucket was was uh participating that year. That was pretty cool. And Raymond Pelosi.

SPEAKER_05 49:24

That's right. That's pretty cool. He also ran he ran it in before me, but I got to actually like the tour. Light the cauldron. That's incredible.

SPEAKER_04 49:31

Mike, how about you? What what's a memorable moment for you? Wow. I mean, that there's so many of them. I mean, it's hard to actually just pick one. I mean, but the one thing I always like is just seeing, especially when the motorcycles come in and uh the motorcyclists basically come and give like an athlete a t-shirt or basically just give them a hug and just uh show them how much they uh they support uh the athletes of Special Olympics Rhode Island.

SPEAKER_06 49:55

Yeah, yeah. Motorcycle run is is a pretty amazing part of Summer Games weekend. I'd be remiss if I didn't do a shout-out for that, right? So on Saturday night, uh, while our athletes are having a pizza party and movie night to cap off the evening, we're gonna have hundreds, not just a couple, we're gonna have hundreds of motorcycles driving into the University of Rhode Island in celebration of the athletes of Special Olympics.

SPEAKER_04 50:17

Yeah, that's a lot there, to say the very least.

SPEAKER_06 50:19

It's a lot of motorcycles, a lot of t-shirts, too. It's a pretty cool uh event. And I and I'll say uh again, if you uh are inspired by any of the conversations we've had today, uh please, please, please come down to Special Olympics Rhode Island's annual Summer Games May 29th, 30th, and 31st. Um, I can almost guarantee you a high five, a hug, a smile, uh, a moment where you're gonna shed a tear because you're gonna witness something that was pretty, pretty spectacular.

SPEAKER_04 50:50

Oh, yeah, definitely, definitely.

SPEAKER_06 50:52

So we're gonna celebrate summer games. Yes. We're gonna kick off USA Games on June 19th and watch all of our friends compete June 20th through the 26th. Uh, and then it's gonna be summer, pretty incredible, 4th of July.

SPEAKER_04 51:07

Yeah, and uh, and let's not forget, there's another thing that's coming up uh in June as well. We actually have our um athlete leadership university graduation uh that's gonna be so excited you brought that up. I am so well Mike, tell everybody at home all about it. Well, I mean we we got um more athletes that are uh I I don't I can't I don't know how many that are graduating uh through athlete leadership university, but just to see them graduate from uh whether it's athlete spokesperson, athlete representative, health messenger, and uh and most recently we actually had the uh capstone uh project night that we had, and just to see some of the uh the projects they were working on was it's just so inspiring. I mean, with some of the some of the things they were working on.

SPEAKER_06 51:52

And and what Mike is referring to is our athlete leadership university. We talked athlete leadership last episode, uh, but just as a reminder, athlete leadership university is a uh a program for athletes who aspire to be an athlete leader. Um in one of the majors that Mike made reference to, athlete spokesperson, athlete representative, and healthy athlete. Perfect. Nick is an example of one of our graduates of the program. Uh and they go through training about all the different disciplines and support that it means to be an athlete leader. Uh, but a part of that, they do a capstone project night, which we just had the other day, which I have to tell you guys, this year, every year is phenomenal. This year it was no different. We had athletes focused on mental health, healthy choices, raising money for athletes, their fellow athletes, uh, and having really important conversations.

SPEAKER_04 52:43

Oh, yeah. I mean, just to see all the different ones, I was just pretty impressed. I mean, especially since I I was the graduate of the very first athlete leadership university. And and of course, shout out to Mary Ellen for putting this whole thing together.

SPEAKER_06 52:56

Right. There, there's a team of people, Mary Ellen Powers leading the charge as the charge. So we have to do our homework, either that or we get put in time out. Yeah.

SPEAKER_04 53:06

I think we may have to be put in timeout if we forget about it.

SPEAKER_06 53:09

Or I should say detention, not timeout. Yeah, yeah, detention, I think, is the better term for that. But we so we and graduation is right around the corner. I was about to say, I'm happy I don't have to deal with any homework or timeout. No homework for you this year, Nick. No homework for you this year. Uh but that we're gonna have another cohort of amazing athlete leaders graduating. Yes. And they are they are amazing individually and as a group. I can't wait to see where they take all this incredible knowledge that they've learned and put it to work on behalf of not just their team, not just Special Olympics Island, but their community as a whole.

SPEAKER_04 53:44

Yeah. And then before you know it, we're gonna be uh starting year number four of this uh whole athlete leadership university. Who would have thought? Yeah, who would have thought that we would soon be in year number four of this?

SPEAKER_06 53:54

It's incredible. It really is incredible. And and leads to opportunities like this, right? So we're gonna have new voices around the table talking about all different types of topics that are important to athletes. Uh and so um, guys, you have any so uh all this stuff aside, summer will be right around the corner. Super excited about all the things we're gonna experience. Any plans for the summer, Nick?

SPEAKER_05 54:16

Um, while George is in Minnesota, I'm gonna be in Florida. Oh, what are you gonna do in Florida? Uh my grand my grandmother lives there, so I'll be down there. Oh, fantastic. That'll be fun. Mike, any plans for the summer?

SPEAKER_04 54:31

Well, uh me and my family were gonna be going up to uh New Hampshire to uh stay in a cabin that we've stayed in the the last uh couple of years, and uh it's a pretty nice cabin. And uh I also um might be uh me and Mary Ellen might actually be going to Block Island because I actually won some uh passes at uh at a fundraising event over at uh over that uh Comedy Connection that supported Special Olympics Rhode Island. So it's so cool. So I gotta make sure to put those into good use. That is well, that sounds like a nice trip.

SPEAKER_06 55:02

Yes, both do, uh, but that sounds like a nice trip in PC.

SPEAKER_04 55:05

Yeah, so hopefully everybody can get out and enjoy the beautiful weather, uh, unlike today when it's a little rainy.

SPEAKER_06 55:12

That's okay. We're we're inside, we're good. Yes. And and this summer we're gonna have all different types of programs going on for Special Olympics, Rhode Island athletes. I should make mention, we're gonna do three-on-three basketball again this year, guys. Top golf is gonna be back before you know it. Awesome. Um, and uh back by popular demand, surfing. And we're going to not one, not two, but three sessions of surfing uh that are gonna give opportunities to athletes to participate down at Mackerel Cove in Jamestown. Awesome. So if you're if you're uh athletes, if you're listening at home and you're like, man, it's gonna be hot this summer, uh, we're giving you an opportunity to jump in the water. Well, we want you to be on the surfboard, but if you fall in and you cool off a little, it'll be okay.

SPEAKER_04 55:53

Yeah, exactly.

SPEAKER_06 55:56

Well, guys, it's been a pleasure catching up with you both. Uh, it is always an honor. Um, what a great episode, and so excited for the upcoming Summer Games and USA Games. Uh, thank you so much for being here, guys. Yeah, looking forward to seeing you at the uh Summer Games. Look forward to seeing you at the Summer Games. Yes. Well, friends, thank you for tuning in to this month's episode of the Beyond the Metal Podcast Stories of Strength and Achievement. Uh, I'm your host, Ed Pachico. Come out on May 29th, 30th, and 31st to cheer on the most inspiring athletes in the world, the athletes of Special Officer Island. We'll tune in next month to talk about all the things that our athletes accomplish both at the Summer Games and USA Games. Thanks so much for listening.