Special Olympics Florida athlete Malcom Harris-Gowdie lived out his dream last week, working as a broadcaster at Super Bowl Media Row in Phoenix.
The experience culminated Sunday, when Harris-Gowdie spent the day working in the media tent outside the big game.
“My dreams have come true!” he said. “So many people think that people with intellectual disabilities can’t do certain things. I’m here to prove them wrong and show them that you can achieve your dream. I will never forget this time in my life!”
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Harris-Gowdie, a St. Lucie County athlete, has been part of Special Olympics Florida for more than 15 years. An Athlete Leader and former County Athlete of the Year, he is an aspiring sportscaster who previously worked on Media Row, served as a special sports correspondent for CBS12 in West Palm Beach, and, through a partnership with Orlando Health, was a sideline reporter at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games.
His time on Media Row this year is the result of a partnership between Special Olympics and the sports and entertainment network FanSided.
FanSided and its parent company, Minute Media, are official global partners of Special Olympics and work with Special Olympics’ programs to help end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities and further inclusivity in sports.
“It is thrilling – and inspiring – to see our athletes breaking barriers and accomplishing such remarkable things,” said Special Olympics Florida President and CEO Sherry Wheelock. “Over the years, I have watched Malcom grow into a talented, incredibly knowledgeable sportscaster. We are so grateful to FanSided for recognizing his ability and giving him this amazing opportunity.”
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All last week, Harris-Gowdie was paired with FanSided host Matt Verderame, conducting interviews and covering pre-game news. He learned he would work as a game-day reporter during a Zoom call with Super Bowl winner and three-time Pro-Bowler Anquan Boldin.
A surprised Harris-Gowdie said he was honored by the opportunity.
“I have been busy prepping for weeks for this opportunity,” he said. “I’m so proud to be here on behalf of Special Olympics, a movement that is about promoting inclusion and acceptance for all.”
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