“Getting to run the Boston Marathon for Specials Olympics, a cause that has lit a fire in me and that I have a strong desire to advocate for, I think is the best thing in the world,” said Brody Whetzel, member of the 2024 Xtra Mile Boston Marathon Team.

Growing up in Oregon, Brody never failed to show up at his high school’s Unified sports events.  His involvement with Special Olympics started when he became a leader at his high school’s Unified PE program. “I went into it not knowing what to expect,” explained Brody. “But that program was without a doubt the best part of my high school experience.”  

After having a year of Unified sports under his belt, the program was quickly cut short when COVID-19 hit and schools abruptly shut down. During this time of isolation, Brody turned to running as his way of practicing self-care.

“I was lucky. I still played sports, still connected with my friends, and I was able to get outside,” he said. “I recognized that many of my friends in Unified, who I just spent a year with, weren’t as fortunate to have those opportunities.”

Thanks to Brody's efforts and support from Special Olympics Oregon, he was able to safely bring the community together in ways that followed all of Oregon’s COVID-19 protocols. He helped facilitate many “drive-by giveaways,” where Unified athletes could pick up a variety of items such as exercise equipment, basketballs, soccer balls, jump ropes and more! Brody also helped lead Unified events that were held during the Pandemic, while ensuring all safety protocols were followed.

“Even in circumstances as challenging as COVID, where there was a lot of barriers in place, seeing inclusion still at the top and seeing us all able to still come together amidst these challenges and the smiles on people’s faces when we did it… I still remember it to do this day,” said Brody.

After four years of fostering inclusivity at his high school, Brody was ready to turn the page and embark on his next adventure. Brody is now a Sophomore at Boston College and is majoring in Education with a minor in Special Education. “Growing up, I had no intentions of becoming a teacher,” he said. “But through my experiences with Special Olympics, a fire has been lit in me to create a space in schools where everyone belongs.”  

Although Special Olympics Unified sports has taken the school system by storm, Brody notes that there are still schools that lack this sense of inclusion and belonging—and he can’t wait to help bridge this gap through his run in the 2024 Boston Marathon.

As an advocate for inclusion, Brody knew that he didn’t want to run the Boston Marathon just for himself. When he came across the Special Olympics Massachusetts Xtra Mile Team, he instantly knew this was the charity he wanted to run for. When thinking about crossing the finish line on Boylston Street while wearing a Special Olympics MA singlet, Brody became emotional.  

“It’s just a whole lot of gratitude. Gratitude for the cause I’m running for, the community I’m running for, for the people who’ve empowered me, for getting to run for inclusion… I’m going to be wearing a singlet that I’m proud to wear and represent.”

But when Brody crosses the finish line on April 15^th, his journey with Special Olympics will only just be starting.  He intends to apply the lessons he’s learned through Unified sports and the Special Olympics community as he paves the way for future students.

“Life is too short for there not to be a space for everyone to feel loved and feel belonging. Running for Special Olympics Massachusetts in April just furthers my passion; then when the time comes and I am teaching in a classroom, I’ll be ready to go.”  

‍