Meet Isaiah

November 13, 2025

When Isaiah John, or “IJ” as his friends call him, joined Special Olympics in 2003 at the age of 16, he had no idea how profoundly it would change his life. Introduced to the program by a support worker, IJ decided to try floor hockey as his first sport. From the very first practice, he fell in love with the game.

Shortly after joining, IJ faced a significant challenge. At 18, he was diagnosed with genetic Type 2 Diabetes.

When I got diagnosed, I was so confused. It was so hard to explain to people that I have problems with my sugar levels. You’d get up and start your day all excited but then you would have breakfast and wait to see how you’re going to feel for the rest of your day. It’s a battle every day – but the most helpful thing has been finding routine.

While new research reveals a 15% rate reduction in diabetes for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who participate in Special Olympics, IJ’s story illustrates how participation in these programs can also help manage existing diagnoses. Special Olympics offers more than just sport; it provides a holistic approach to wellness that includes physical activity, health & nutrition education and social inclusion.

Even though it’s a disease you can fight, it always helps to have someone that has your back. When I was younger I wasn’t as confident and didn’t have a routine, but as I’ve gotten older I’ve found the lifestyle that works for me – and that’s because of Special Olympics and staying active and eating healthy.

Though he began with floor hockey, IJ’s passion now lies in softball. For nearly 20 years, he has played with the Special Olympics Central Jays, earning several gold medals along the way. His involvement also boosted his confidence to join other co-ed leagues in his community. He is active four days a week, and on his days off, he misses it. “The more active I am, the easier it is to manage my sugar levels. I also have to eat a certain way to be able to keep my lifestyle. It’s not just a lifestyle, it’s a way to live. My sports keep me motivated to keep eating healthy so I can perform at my best.”

There have been challenges along the way. IJ recalls a tournament where he forgot to eat before playing. “I managed to play the first game but almost passed out a couple of times. If my sugar is dropping I sometimes shake my head a lot – if my coaches or teammates notice this they’ll always check in. That day my coaches made sure I got looked at by medical and had something to eat. They also supported my decision to sit out the afternoon – sometimes you need to know when to stop, and when that happens it feels good to have your team backing you up. I’ve met a lot of people I can count on over the years with Special Olympics.”

IJ’s story is a testament to the transformative power of Special Olympics. The structure and support have helped him manage his health, both physically and emotionally. “I’ve had spikes over the years – lots of highs and lows before where I have no energy – and when I tell my doctors they always encourage me to keep taking care of myself and keeping up with my sports and nutrition. But it’s through my own willpower and the support from my family and friends at Special Olympics that I keep doing what I’m supposed to do.”

He strongly advocates for others with intellectual or developmental disabilities, whether they have a diabetes diagnosis or not, to take advantage of Special Olympics’ Healthy Athletes program and other nutrition resources. “We’ve even had an expert come in for practice and give training on healthy eating to fuel our bodies for sport and it was really good,” he shares.

Special Olympics, IJ says, is what keeps him going. “I try to stay active and keep healthy so that I can play for as long as I can, to the best of my ability. Because this is what I want to do for a long time.” For IJ, being part of Special Olympics is more than just participating in sports; it’s about being part of something bigger. “I have to be out of the house and doing something – it’s the most important part of my routine.”

IJ is also open about his past struggles with addiction to drugs and alcohol, hoping his story will inspire others. “I was going through a difficult time with my health and a few other things… and I just thought it couldn’t get any worse. Turns out it could.” Through the concern and support of his friends at Special Olympics, IJ has been sober since 2015. “Replace your unhealthy addictions with healthy ones. I always tell people I get high on life now – I love sports. It will get better. Find your community, something you’re passionate about and that fits into a healthy lifestyle. You don’t have to take this on alone.”

Reflecting on his journey with Special Olympics, IJ says, “People always ask me why I keep going back to the same team season after season and I just tell them it’s the highlight of my week, I really enjoy it, and I feel so much healthier and better about who I am as a person. Special Olympics is my second home – it has been for over 20 years.”