Alyssa Tracy April 2026
Sitting in the stands at the Steve Kimpel Classic, watching athletes from across our area come together, including our Special Olympics athletes, I’m reminded how different everything feels when a vote becomes deeply personal. For our family, this isn’t just about services. It’s about our son, and the life he’s been able to build because of them.
Our son went from being someone who casually knew everyone in passing to finally having a handful of close, meaningful friendships. That didn’t happen by accident. It happened because we were able to put down fear and because services like the Defiance County Board of DD and Special Olympics exist.
When your child struggles — socially, academically, or simply trying to understand the world — you desperately search for anything that might help. Somewhere along the way, sports became that thing he loves and a place where he belongs.
When he was younger, I was afraid to let him try — afraid of him getting hurt, being made fun of, or not understanding what was expected of him. But after his dad encouraged me, we gave him the chance. We didn’t know what was possible unless we let him try. And because we did, we witnessed moments we never would have experienced otherwise.
I remember the quarterback at Defiance High School taking time to get our son lined up correctly before getting into position himself. I remember a wrestling teammate quietly helping him order food on a trip — no attention, no judgment, just kindness.
Like many parents, we wondered what life would look like for our son, not just during high school, but after.
Through the Defiance County Board of DD, and especially Special Olympics, he found his place. He found his best friend. His first relationship. A community where he belongs. He’s thriving.
One night, after spending time with friends at a group home, he got into the truck and said with a huge smile, “dad … these guys are just like me!” That moment is everything.
As humans, we all want the same thing — to belong. Our son has found purpose, friendship and joy through these programs. And as parents, we’ve found guidance, support and peace.
On May 5, you’ll have the opportunity to vote.
Your support for the Defiance County Board of DD directly impacts families like ours. Before you vote, talk to someone receiving services. You might walk away seeing things differently. And for families like ours, that difference means everything.
Alyssa Tracy
rural Defiance
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