‘If They Can Do It, Why Can’t I?’: Jura Greely’s Mission Beyond the Finish Line

April 25, 2025

Special Olympics athletes inspire me... sometimes I say to myself, 'If they can do it, why can't I?'” Jura Greely said when reflecting on her journey to running the 2025 Boston 5K. Jura is a Special Education teacher and a former high school runner who after being inspired by Special Olympics athletes imagined running her second Boston 5k.

Jura at the Special Olympics MA tent before the 2025 Boston 5K

Jura started participating in events with her students from the New England Center for Children in 2013 and started volunteering with Special Olympics Massachusetts in 2015. Jura is very passionate about volunteer work.

“I volunteer a lot on my free time, and not just with Special Olympics, but a few other organizations. That's just who I am," she said. "I love giving back, and just the community I've built over the last ten plus years with Special Olympics.”

Jura goes above and beyond as a Game Management Team member. She is part of the crew that helps run and organize a sports competition, making sure everything goes smoothly, safely, and fairly. She is kind of like the behind-the-scenes heroes who make games possible.

“I just love knowing that the students with disabilities where I work with will have the opportunity for sports and being able to participate in the unified programs or the local programs in their towns and cities,” she said.

In addition to the amazing work she does as a Game Management Team member, Jura is also helping to start another Lowell school-based program alongside another Special Olympics Massachusetts volunteer. Work like this is what earned Jura a Community Impact Award in 2022. “I feel that was unexpected, but awesome.” A Community Impact Award is a special award given to a person, group, or organization that has made a big difference in their community for Special Olympics MA.  

Jura (first person on far left, 2nd row) at the 2025 Lowell Basketball Skills Program

While it may have been her second B.A.A. Boston 5K, she was excited to cross the Boston Marathon finish line. “I'm probably going to cry.” she said. “I'm excited because I know just where I'm at ability wise, I'll never be able to do 26.2 miles. And knowing that I'll have at least this experience for 3.1 miles is very powerful and amazing”. Jura mentioned she doesn’t call herself a runner after just getting over a knee injury. She was inspired by the Special Olympics athlete's persistence.

Jura crossing the Marathon finish line during the 2025 Boston 5K

Juras' work in the community has had the greatest impact on athletes by working with them in her class and on the field. The last ten years with Special Olympics has meant so much to Jura and is what inspired her to run the Boston 5k for Special Olympics Massachusetts.  

Gregg is a member of the Special Olympics MA Content Squad. The mission of Special Olympics MA Athlete Leadership is to empower athletes to develop communication skills and utilize their voices to assume meaningful leadership roles. As members of the Content Squad, athlete leaders contribute to Special Olympics MA story-telling through interviews, photos, video creation, and more.

Special Olympics athletes inspire me... sometimes I say to myself, 'If they can do it, why can't I?'” Jura Greely said when reflecting on her journey to running the 2025 Boston 5K. Jura is a Special Education teacher and a former high school runner who after being inspired by Special Olympics athletes imagined running her second Boston 5k.

Jura at the Special Olympics MA tent before the 2025 Boston 5K

Jura started participating in events with her students from the New England Center for Children in 2013 and started volunteering with Special Olympics Massachusetts in 2015. Jura is very passionate about volunteer work.

“I volunteer a lot on my free time, and not just with Special Olympics, but a few other organizations. That's just who I am," she said. "I love giving back, and just the community I've built over the last ten plus years with Special Olympics.”

Jura goes above and beyond as a Game Management Team member. She is part of the crew that helps run and organize a sports competition, making sure everything goes smoothly, safely, and fairly. She is kind of like the behind-the-scenes heroes who make games possible.

“I just love knowing that the students with disabilities where I work with will have the opportunity for sports and being able to participate in the unified programs or the local programs in their towns and cities,” she said.

In addition to the amazing work she does as a Game Management Team member, Jura is also helping to start another Lowell school-based program alongside another Special Olympics Massachusetts volunteer. Work like this is what earned Jura a Community Impact Award in 2022. “I feel that was unexpected, but awesome.” A Community Impact Award is a special award given to a person, group, or organization that has made a big difference in their community for Special Olympics MA.  

Jura (first person on far left, 2nd row) at the 2025 Lowell Basketball Skills Program

While it may have been her second B.A.A. Boston 5K, she was excited to cross the Boston Marathon finish line. “I'm probably going to cry.” she said. “I'm excited because I know just where I'm at ability wise, I'll never be able to do 26.2 miles. And knowing that I'll have at least this experience for 3.1 miles is very powerful and amazing”. Jura mentioned she doesn’t call herself a runner after just getting over a knee injury. She was inspired by the Special Olympics athlete's persistence.

Jura crossing the Marathon finish line during the 2025 Boston 5K

Juras' work in the community has had the greatest impact on athletes by working with them in her class and on the field. The last ten years with Special Olympics has meant so much to Jura and is what inspired her to run the Boston 5k for Special Olympics Massachusetts.  

Gregg is a member of the Special Olympics MA Content Squad. The mission of Special Olympics MA Athlete Leadership is to empower athletes to develop communication skills and utilize their voices to assume meaningful leadership roles. As members of the Content Squad, athlete leaders contribute to Special Olympics MA story-telling through interviews, photos, video creation, and more.

label

Articles related

Text Link
Back-to-School 'Game Day Minds' Checklist for Special Olympics Athletes

Heading back to school can feel a lot like prepping for a big competition: new routines, new players, and new challenges to face. Having the right mindset and tools can make all the difference!

Text Link
Why Bocce Is One of Special Olympics MA’s Fastest-Growing Sports

Content Squad member Gregg dives into the world of bocce, sharing why it’s one of Special Olympics MA’s fastest-growing sports. From backyard games to state tournaments, discover how bocce brings athletes and partners together!

Text Link
At 11 Years Old Talia Is Redefining What It Means to Be a Teammate

At 11 years old, Talia Zizza joined Special Olympics MA as a Unified Partner and built an incredible friendship with athlete India Reynolds. Together, they’ve inspired millions with their determination, inclusion, and joy on and off the tra