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 Meet Jay Nothnagle…
If you want to see a healthy athlete and one that continues to live a fulfilling life, you have to meet Jay Nothnagle. Jay is one of those many examples of someone that has truly benefited from his involvement in Special Olympics and has become a shinning example of just what a life filled with exercise and sports can do for an individual.
Among Jay’s many accomplishments in Special Olympics and in life include medaling in 12 Special Olympics sports and representing the United States at three World Games where he achieved gold medals. Jay has earned his driver’s license and drives his own car which he purchased with his hard-earned money. He earned his Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts and gives back to Special Olympics as the top fundraiser in the annual Passion Plunge, jumping into the icy-cold Atlantic Ocean each winter.
Among the greatest accomplishments in his parent’s eyes include his self-confidence, his independence and his sense of humor.
“Jay's self-confidence and pride have grown since he joined Special Olympics 28 years ago,” says Jeff Nothnagle, Jay’s father. “This came about as he participated in and achieved success in increasingly complex and challenging sports offered by Special Olympics. At the same time, he enjoyed the camaraderie and friendships he made with his local, state, and World Games teammates. While training and competing in these sports, he also grew in physical fitness as a healthy athlete, especially when he worked to progress in Power Lifting to the World Games level. People still remark upon his physique developed 15 years ago, and subsequently maintained. Working with Jay, and coaching him and his friends and teammates in Special Olympics has added additional purpose and reward to all of our lives.”
If you want to see more “Jay’s” in the world and help individuals with intellectual disabilities live a more fulfilling, vibrant and healthy life, consider supporting Special Olympics in any number of ways including volunteering or with your financial support. By the way, if you want to see why Jay and other stake the Plunge every year, click the video below to hear it in their own voices.
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