Michael Cripe
Special to the Citizen
For the better half of his life, Colin Garrison has pushed himself to strive in the world of the Special Olympics.
What he did not know, however, is how many friends he would make throughout his journey.
The Platte County resident, who is 31 now, has been competing in various sports for the last 17 years. Judging by his enthusiasm, he is really only just getting started.
Colin wore his medals to work at the Goodwill Outlet Store when he returned.
Most recently, Colin had the opportunity to visit Abu Dhabi, which is located thousands of miles away right next to Saudi Arabia. His performance was certainly exceptional, as he walked away with bronze, silver and gold medals in bocce ball.
Another location Colin has visited in the past is Seattle, Wash., which he says was one of his personal favorites.
“We got to go to a Mariners game while we were in Seattle,” said Colin, who works at the Goodwill Outlet Store in Kansas City. “The team I was on also got to go to the Space Needle.”
The Special Olympics medalist has plenty of favorite sports to compete in, but one that he has grown particularly fond of is bocce. Bocce is what Colin specialized in during his time in Abu Dhabi and can be described as similar to curling.
Considering Colin’s talent has taken him all over the world, the notion that he attracts the attention of some notable people should not come as a surprise.
Senator Roy Blunt attended one of the Special Olympics games at one point just to see Colin compete.
Joining Colin on many of his trips is his father, Mike Garrison. Mike has not only served as a mentor of sorts, as, first and foremost, Mike takes his place as Colin’s father.
“When he got to go to Abu Dhabi, his mom and I decided we weren’t missing this for anything,” Mike said. “We went out and watched every single minute of competition he was in. How often does someone get to say they are one of the best in the world at something?”
Colin’s father introduces Colin as someone who lights up any room he walks into. Whether it be in Seattle, Abu Dhabi or Kansas City, Colin is known for his ability to make friends like no other.
He, for some reason, just draws people to him,” Mike said. “I don’t know what it is, but when he walks into a room, pretty much all of them want to go see him. Even though Colin has autism as one of his issues, he does not let it stop him. He overcomes those things.”
What may seem like a disability to most is nothing more than a long-forgotten speedbump for Colin. For him, his bright personality and love for sports is all he has ever needed.