How Inclusion and Opportunity Fueled Growth and Understanding
When AJ was younger, life was a lot harder for both him and his mom, Val.
“I used to get into physical fights with my dad,” AJ said. “I was probably the kind of kid who, if I didn’t change, I’d be in a group home right now. And I would not be happy with that whatsoever.”
Val nods as AJ explains this. She remembers the chaos vividly, including emotional outbursts, the isolation, and the constant fear that her son wouldn’t find a path forward.
AJ didn’t receive a formal diagnosis until later in his life but was eventually diagnosed with a pervasive developmental delay and later, autism.
“There were a lot of years where it felt like we were just surviving,” she said. “AJ had trouble connecting. He struggled with impulse control. It wasn’t clear what his future would look like.”
Then, a dedicated local program manager at a resource fair suggested Special Olympics. At first, Val wasn’t sure it would be the right fit, or if AJ would even be willing to participate. But from the very beginning, something shifted.
“It was like he found his people,” she said. “People who weren’t going to judge him. They saw his potential and gave him purpose and community and, honestly, a way to channel all his energy and special and unique abilities into something positive.”
AJ recalls his first Special Olympics Wisconsin event as both exciting and overwhelming. “I was really nervous,” he said. “But then I got to compete, and people were cheering for me. It just felt good. Like, I belonged.”
That sense of belonging motivated AJ. He continued to transform from a kid struggling to manage his emotions into a confident athlete and a leader in his local program.
“He’s gone from being the kid who wouldn’t talk to anybody to someone who now walks into a room, looks you in the eye, and shakes hands,” Val said. “He wanted to be seen, and he is now.
Finding Purpose and Pride Through Special Olympics Wisconsin
What began as simple participation grew into leadership. Val, who serves as a local program manager, explained that every couple of years, their program selects one athlete to serve as a delegate and leader — someone who represents their local program in events and advocacy efforts.
“We mentor and coach them,” Val said. “AJ was our first athlete delegate in this new program structure.” AJ flourished in the role.
“I used to be a hothead,” he said. “Now, I’m more mellowed out. I’ve matured. I think Special Olympics helped a lot with that.”
Val agreed. “I get to see him not just as my son, but as a successful man giving back to his community.”
A Chance to Shine at Jersey Mike’s
That transformation was on full display during Jersey Mike’s “Day of Giving” in April 2025, when AJ was selected as an Athlete Ambassador for the Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving campaign and on the Day of Giving, when 100% of sales for the day were donated to Special Olympics Wisconsin. Initially AJ was told he would be opening doors, cleaning tables, and thanking people for their support, but the team at Jersey Mike’s quickly realized AJ could do so much more.
AJ was trained on the register and proved to be a quick study. He ended up working at the Delevan location from open to close — willingly working 11 straight hours. During his long shift, AJ only paused once, when Val insisted he take a 15-minute break to eat a sandwich.
“Logan, his manager, introduced him to every customer as the athlete ambassador,” Val said. “They took away every barrier that might have been in front of AJ and placed him in a position that played to his strengths.”
Even Val didn’t know the extent of AJ’s involvement until she began receiving photos throughout the day. “He went from being an athlete on the side to being fully integrated and included,” she said. “And when I got there, he didn’t even see me. He was too busy working.”
Logan LaGray is the manager of the Delevan location, and he saw something special in AJ right away.
“AJ was incredibly hardworking and passionate,” said Logan. “We kept asking him if he wanted a break, but he wanted to stay. He was relentless. He now comes in on Wednesdays and Thursdays and is always in great spirits. AJ is a really valuable member of our team, and we’re thrilled to have him”
A few weeks after he was hired, Val went to pick up AJ from work one evening. When AJ went out to the car, he told his mom she had to come inside the store.
“He said, ‘They need to talk with you,’” Val recalled. “I thought maybe he was in trouble. But then he said, ‘Come look at the MVP board.’”
AJ had been named MVP for his store for the Day of Giving. “He joked, ‘I volunteered’ 11 hours my first day. I think I earned it,’” Val said, laughing.
Beyond the MVP recognition, the experience gave AJ his first consistent job in some time and a sense of financial independence. “Now he earns his own money,” Val said. “We work on budgeting, but he set a goal for a specific gaming device and saved up for it. He bought it himself.”
“It makes a big difference,” AJ said.
Growing Together
Special Olympics Wisconsin didn’t just change AJ’s life. It changed his relationship with his family.
“My dad and I used to really go at it,” AJ said. “Now we’re actually kind of chill.”
The changes have deepened the bond between AJ and Val as well. “I get to see him as someone who is independent,” she said. “When we arrived at Jersey Mike’s for the Day of Giving, he turned around and said, ‘Mom, I got this.’ And I just thought, yeah, you do.”
AJ also loves that his mom, who is often his coach, listens to him. “She actually takes my input seriously,” he said.
That mutual respect is one of the things Val treasures most. “All those little moments: him asking questions, offering advice, noticing things during games, they all add up,” she said. “They show me he’s growing, and he’s paying attention.”
From an uncertain start to a future filled with possibility, AJ’s journey is a testament to what happens when people are seen, included, and given the chance to shine.
“I always knew he had something special,” Val said. “Now, the world gets to see it too.”
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