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Sports head basketball nealin 1000 games3/24/2024 While it may not have been his turn to do an interview, it was clear he was absorbing every word. Sitting in the corner of the room during the interview was another athlete, brand new to the movement. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience he has the ability," Irish says. For five years, Detouche has served as the athlete representative on the executive board for Special Olympics Dominica. "We have a small athlete base with only about 15 athletes and Michael leads from the front.”ĭetouche’s leadership is a source of pride for his coach, fellow teammates, and the entire community. "His biggest strength as an athlete is the ability to adapt," Irish says. It's the trait that allows you to find much success. "He's the bocce coach and I absolutely love what he's done for me, and it has helped me a lot," Detouche says about Irish’s impact on his journey.Īs an athlete, you must be coachable. And in Orlando, he’ll be mentally prepared, jokingly saying, “I’ve been there, done that.” Despite the competitive edge Detouche brings to the USA Games, he says he’s excited “to meet new friends and to demonstrate courage and joy.”Īs a very decorated athlete, that attitude may not have been possible without the example set by his coach and mentor, Irish. We'll do training for five weeks, with practices every Saturday."ĭuring a typical practice, standing in a 12x16-foot court, Detouche and his teammates practice mastering a soft touch in order to get their ball the closest to the pallina (small white ball).įor what it’s worth, Detouche knows he has the experience and skill. "So, the second week of October we started training. "Due to COVID-19, our government suspended all Special Olympics activities until October 3," Irish says. In June 2022, Detouche will make a return trip to the United States, this time to compete in bocce at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando and he’s already got his eyes on the prize, despite obstacles out of his control. Michael (first on the far left) walking out with his delegation during the Opening Ceremony for the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles. "It was a cool experience traveling to Connecticut and Los Angeles," he says. Detouche has attended multiple Special Olympics World Games. "It was a good experience for me, and I enjoyed it," he says talking about what the Caribbean Games were like, but it was just the start of traveling for Special Olympics. In 2004, Detouche attended the Special Olympics Caribbean Games in Jamaica, winning silver medals in the 500m and the 1000m races, along with racing in a relay. I love to inspire other people so they can try it and encourage people to join the movement is so important.” "It inspires me, and it inspires other people. "I love to play sports," he says on why he’s never missed a competition. "Right now, as I'm getting older, I do sports like bocce and standing long jump and football (soccer)," he says.Įach year he attends his homeland's National Games. Having participated in long-distance running, Detouche now has made the transition to bocce due to his age but is still adamant that his favorite is athletics. Special Olympics gives me a chance to meet new athletes," Detouche says. "It means a lot to me being one of the first (athletes) because I enjoy it. Michael poses for a picture outside Abilities Unlimited, where he works.
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