With 14 years of Special Olympics Northern California competition and community involvement, Douglass has distinguished himself as an athlete and citizen. In 2014 alone, he won 11 gold and 2 silver medals competing in numerous sports. Douglass represented Northern California at the 2006 Special Olympics National Games in Ames, Iowa, and won bronze in the 100-meter race at the 2004 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Time Trials.

 

As a Special Olympics Global Messenger, he has shared his love of Special Olympics and its life-changing impact with many people near and far. He served as co-emcee of the Law Enforcement Torch Run Conference in 2003: a gathering of over 800 officers from throughout the world.  In a testament to both his exceptional personal character and the power of Special Olympics to produce productive members of society, Douglass is in his eighth year of working as a golf cart attendant.  In 2000, he met his future wife at the Special Olympics Northern California Summer Games. Sadly, just 13 months after getting married in 2011, his wife passed away from an undiagnosed birth defect. No matter the challenge, Douglass always rises to the occasion and his accomplishments continue to transcend the world of sports.

 

“Not only is Douglass a talented athlete, but he is also an incredible role model for the entire community,” SONC Vice President for Sports Programs, Jeff Ruthenberg said. “Despite facing many adversities, Douglass continues to excel on and off the field, inspiring everyone he meets. Whether it’s interacting with golfers where he works or mentoring Special Olympics athletes, Douglass is a friend to all.”