Multi-sport athletes are not uncommon at Special Olympics Massachusetts. Many athletes like to be involved with their teammates throughout the year; but what isn’t common is a multi-sport athlete who has undergone two major surgeries.    

Meet Matt Cobb, a Special Olympics athlete for the Hockomock YMCA Program. Although Matt has been involved with Special Olympics Massachusetts for 17 years, in 2015 he had to overcome a massive obstacle—one spinal cord surgery and one surgery that involved placing a metal rod in his chest. For five years, Matt was unable to compete in any contact sports.  

After a lot of physical therapy, along with hard work and determination, Matt was able to get back on the playing field. And he’s involved with Special Olympics now more than ever.

Matt ran the 2023 Boston Athletic Association 5K on the Special Olympics MA Xtra Mile Team, made the 2023 New England Revolution Unified Team, and was a team member on the 2023 Final Leg where he, a fellow athlete, and 8 officers on the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Torch Run carried the Flame of Hope across the State leading up to Summer Games.