Rodney Hayes started playing sports at 7 years because his dad and grandmother thought it would be a good idea since he had a lot of energy. Rodney told his grandmother that he was going to make her proud and excel in sports. He played recreation basketball and was good enough to play basketball, football and wrestling at Castlemont High School.

 

Rodney has competed in Special Olympics for 18 years and has won over 200 medals. He competes in five different sports: basketball, track and field, unified flag football, softball and bowling. He is a proud member of the Discovery All Stars in Sacramento. Rodney also competes in Unified Flag Football as part of Team NorCal at the 2026 USA Games in Minnesota. Rodney also represented NorCal at the 2014 USA Games in track & field. He was a team captain leading Northern California relay teams and winning medals in four events.

 

Outside of his amazing athletic achievements, Rodney is a single parent and proud father of two. His kids are his heart; they are aways with him and they all play sports on the Discovery All Stars Team. 

He has worked for Pride Industries for more than 15 years and is a true leader. Rodney is extremely dedicated to work, community service and volunteering. Rodney is a very caring and kind person who is always helping others, whether it’s his teammates, family or co-workers. He epitomizes what being a Special Olympics athlete truly stands for.