Patrick Moore has been a Special Olympics Tennessee (SOTN) athlete since 2002 and is currently represents Giles and Marshall County. He has competed in multiple sports including bowling, basketball, bocce, Unified bocce, track & field, golf and Unified golf. Moore was also his area's nominee for the Special Olympics Tennessee Athlete of the Year in 2023.
In his years with SOTN, Moore has found a love and passion for sports. Moore has most recently been competing in bocce, which is the sport he participated in during the 2023 State Summer Games.
"Last year, we played a little bit and it rained on us, and after waiting for hours we got our medals and I got second,” said Moore.
After Moore received his medal he celebrated with his team. An important person celebrating with him was his mentor Sarah Poarch, area director for Giles and Marshall County.
“Sara Poarch is my bocce coach and she's the sweetest friend I've ever had in my life," said Moore. "She is also my mentor.”
Poarch has always been a great mentor to him and many others giving as much advice and love as she can.
Moore also has great advice for his fellow athletes.
“You have to do your best, keep thinking positive and make sure you're doing the right thing at the right time," said Moore. "Don't overreact or overthink.”
Great advice from a great athlete!
When asked to describe what the feeling is that Special Olympics gives to athletes was challenging, but Moore had a genuine, loving response giving the word, “blessed.”
Thank you to Patrick Moore for being an amazing representative of Special Olympics and athletes across the state.
