Becoming a star in Orono Schools is no easy task. But for Pierce Pennaz, being a star is a daily event. Pierce is an athlete with Down Syndrome, and has been shining brighter than anyone else in his experience playing in the Special Olympics.

For every single cell in the human body, there is a nucleus. In this nucleus, genetic information is stored. These materials stored, called genes, are responsible in giving us our traits. The nucleus carries 23 pairs of chromosomes, half from each parent. Sometimes, a person is born with a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21, resulting in Down Syndrome.

Down Syndrome is a genetic disorder, causing certain learning disabilities in those affected by it. These disabilities can be a setback, but with the help of the world’s largest sports organization, Special Olympics, these disabilities are ignored and are celebrated through hard work.

“I love both gymnastics and basketball,” athlete and Orono student Pennaz said.

“Special Olympics in not about winning,” Pierce’s mother, Karen Pennaz said. “Pierce walks away from every game saying ‘We won!’”

The mission of Special Olympics is to offer both kids and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round sports and competition. Through the Special Olympics’ athletic, health and leadership programs, people with intellectual disabilities transform themselves, their communities, and the world as said on the Special Olympics website.

Pierce and his family have always been involved in sports, and Special Olympics was a great way for Pierce to show his true talents.

“From the time Pierce was born and diagnosed with Down Syndrome, we wanted him to be part of Special Olympics. It was important to us that he be part of an athletic team, to get exercise and experience celebration for his practice and skills,” K. Pennaz said.

Pierce has participated in a few different sports but has found his true talents through basketball and gymnastics. He now plays on a basketball team called the Wild West and has been playing for four years now.

Orono now has unified team sports for football, basketball, bowling and track, offering those with disabilities just as many options as anyone else. These opportunities offer all people qualities like optimism, extroversion, and a feeling of control, resulting in a greater sense of pride in the community and the world.

“When Pierce plays, he plays full-blast. He is so, so, so funny. Very outgoing,” Pennaz said. That is what Special Olympics is for; creating a positive atmosphere where anyone can have a great time enjoying everyone’s true God-given talents.

“He really makes me more responsible, not only because I am his sister, but he also makes me aspire to do my best because he tries his hardest whenever he plays basketball or gymnastics,” sister Maddie Pennaz said.

Pierce plays with his heart, working the hardest he can, and with the support of his community and friends and family, Pierce is only going to excel.