At just 19 years old, athletics (track and field) runner Kellen Mendez made his mark on the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin.
Mendez, who placed first in his 800-meter event at the 2022 Special Olympics Spring Games in Tacoma, Washington, is passionate about sports and dedicated to giving his all.
But while he is one of just two athletes selected from Washington State to represent the United States of America at this year’s Special Olympics World Games, victory is far from being the only thing on his mind.
Endurance and dedication Mendez and his 4×400 Relay team recently placed sixth in their event June 19.
Not one to get caught up in the competition, Kellen Mendez is renowned for the unbridled joy, friendliness and good sportsmanship that he brings to his team. The value he places on the journey, not just the destination, is profoundly evident in everything he does—and perfectly illustrated in his habit of waving and smiling at his teammates, coaches and volunteers at every event.
Mendez perfectly embodies the joy, kindness and inclusivity that these games stand for.
Between his enthusiastic support for his teammates, his commitment to serving at his local church and his dedication to Community Access Reaching Everyone (also known as CARE, an organization devoted to providing community resources for individuals with developmental disabilities), Mendez perfectly embodies the joy, kindness and inclusivity that these games stand for.