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Smoky Hill HS grad hoping to stay involved with Special Olympics in college

Posted at 8:00 AM, Aug 13, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-02 16:52:10-04

AURORA, Colo. -- Being part of Special Olympics sports helps build confidence in those with and without intellectual disabilities.

“The most important thing I’ve learned about Unified is having a positive attitude and knowing you can overcome a challenge,” Smoky Hill High School senior Paul Cleveland told Denver7. “Spending time with people with learning or physical disabilities has taught me that no matter what – have a positive attitude.”

Paul’s coach, Will Frakes, is one of his biggest supporters.

“He’s kind of taken charge of practice a few times,” Frakes said. “He just kind of leads.”

Paul said he’s inspired by seeing players not let their mental and physical disabilities stop them.

“It’s great to see they can overcome any challenge they like,” he said.

Paul is planning to attend the University of Florida this fall and plans to stay involved with Special Olympics.

“I want to do it the rest of my life, whether a coach or partner, I want to do this the rest of my life,” he told Denver7.

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Click here to read and see more of Hanna and Connor’s stories.

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