Ben Wins Gold and Silver for Team Colorado

This summer Ben Lozado was proud to represent Colorado in the Special Olympics National Games in Nebraska. He has a passion for running, and it was evident in his performance. He brought home a gold medal in the 100-meter run and a silver medal in the 400-meter relay. “It was kind of exciting. Everyone was really nice,” he said of his experiences at this summer’s games.

Ben receives services through Colorado Solutions’ Life Essentials program, and Life Essentials Specialist Lee Hill helped him prepare for the national games. Lee aided him in scheduling a physical and filling out all the paperwork needed to be eligible. Ben also received JumpStart Funds from Denver Options to help cover his travel expenses to Nebraska. “When Ben told me he won a gold and silver in the National Special Olympics, I was very proud of him and all the hard work he put forth to accomplish his goals,” Lee expressed. 

Ben is no stranger to hard work when it comes to sports. “I’ve been doing Special Olympics since I was nine,” he shared. He has participated in bowling, running, discus, softball and volleyball, and he has dozens of medals and ribbons from various state Special Olympics competitions to show for it. Ben keeps up his skills by participating in several sports year-round. “I practice a lot and go to the gym to work out,” he said.

Ben is eagerly hoping he will be chosen to participate in the Special Olympics World Games in Athens, Greece, next summer. “I can’t wait for that if I can go. I just want to go there and win it!” he said. Like some of the best athletes, Ben hopes that his participation goes beyond just the competition to inspire others. “I like to do it for the kids in the hospital who can’t do anything,” he said. He also acknowledges that many people have helped him on his path to success. “I would like to thank all the people at Denver Options and Special Olympics,” Ben shared.

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Learn more about Colorado Solutions, a program of Denver Options.
Learn more about Denver Options’ JumpStart Fund.
Learn more about the Special Olympics.