A Gold Medal Experience: The Power of Inclusion & Community
When Angel Guzman first signed up his son, Luciano, for Special Olympics New York, he hoped it would give him a chance to be active, build confidence, and connect with others. At the time, Luciano was one of the youngest athletes in the group and often kept to himself. Today, he’s surrounded by teammates and friends who encourage him, cheer him on, and help him feel like he belongs. For Angel, that transformation has been one of the most rewarding parts of their family’s Special Olympics journey.
Luciano began participating in Special Olympics three years ago after Angel searched for opportunities that would allow his son, who was diagnosed with autism, to stay active while building social connections. “Keeping him involved in numerous sports helped that socialization aspect,” Angel said. Since then, Luciano has competed in a variety of sports: cross country, track & field, bocce, bowling, and even snowshoeing.
Along the way, Angel has taken on the role of both father and coach. One of his most memorable experiences as his son’s coach came during the Opening Ceremonies of the 2026 Special Olympics New York State Summer Games, when he walked alongside Luciano and the Central Region delegation through the tunnel at Utica University’s Charles A. Gaetano Stadium and onto the field. Surrounded by cheering spectators, law enforcement officers, coaches, and fellow athletes, Angel watched his son’s face light up with excitement.
“It’s hard to put into words,” Angel said. “Just seeing him smile and experience that moment was emotional for me.”
While Luciano enjoys competing, the greatest impact has come from the relationships he’s built. Angel recalled how shy and reserved his son was when he first joined Special Olympics. Over time, however, the welcoming environment helped Luciano come out of his shell. Fellow athletes embraced him, encouraged him, and treated him like family, helping him gain confidence on and off the field.
“He can be himself,” Angel said. “He’s opening up more, talking more, and interacting with people in ways he never used to.”
For Angel, Special Olympics has reinforced the importance of creating opportunities for individuals of all abilities. Watching athletes of different ages and backgrounds support one another has shown him the power of belonging and what can happen when people are given a place where they’re accepted for who they are.
That same belief in opportunity is one of the reasons Angel was excited to return to Human Technologies. As the father of a child with differing abilities, the organization’s mission is deeply personal. He sees firsthand how meaningful it is when people are given the support and resources they need to succeed.
“The company we have here is amazing, what they do,” Angel said. “They take care of their employees [and] give them opportunities to do something.”
Looking ahead, Angel hopes Luciano will continue growing in confidence, and, one day, when he’s ready to enter the workforce, Angel knows there are organizations like HT that can help create pathways to success for individuals of all abilities.
What began as an opportunity for his son to participate in sports has grown into something much bigger: a supportive community where athletes of all abilities are accepted, celebrated, and empowered to be themselves. And through his work at HT, Angel sees that same commitment to inclusion every day, creating opportunities, building supportive environments, and ensuring that every individual has the chance to reach their full potential.
