What does it mean to be a Special Olympics athlete? To Ollie Kujda-Neeley, it means being an athlete, a teammate, a photographer and a friend. It means showing up, working hard, and cheering even harder. It means turning a court into a community, a game into a celebration, and a jersey into a badge of pride.
“My favorite experience is when I went up and helped other people,” said Kujda-Neeley. “I love it.”
Whether it’s playing basketball with friends like Jimmy, or connecting with teammates like Bebe and Santiago, his joy comes from building relationships. He feels that he’s not just on the team, but he’s part of what makes the team feel like family.
When interviewed during this weekend’s Special Olympics Tennessee Youth Leadership Academy, he didn’t focus on awards or statistics. Instead, he offered a powerful reminder of what sports are truly about: connection, joy, and confidence.
His journey with Special Olympics began at a young age, thanks to his mom. Over the years, he has grown into a confident leader who loves talking about his teammates, basketball tournaments in Gatlinburg, and celebrating wins on the court—often with a camera in hand.
When asked, “What superpower would you choose if you could have any superpower?”, Kujda-Neeley didn’t skip a beat before answering, “My superpower is going to every high school football game!”
For him, it’s not just about playing the game; it’s about capturing the moment. Through the lens of his camera, he sees more than plays and points. He sees friendships, victories, and the joy of being part of something bigger.
