Meet Matthew Schuster – An Athlete Profile

Can someone really be a Champion within a Champion?

Matthew Schuster is and has been an athlete of Special Olympics NY for over three decades. He began his journey in early intervention at just five years old and then continued with Special Olympics NY training and competition when he turned eight. Throughout the years, he’s participated in various sports, but he now currently trains and competes in swimming, golf, softball, basketball, and floorball.

At the 2019 State Summer Games, 1000-yard race debuted by Special Olympics NY for the first time (40 lengths of the pool). Matthew took part and was one of only three swimmers in the event, where he finished with the gold!

When not in competition, Matthew is a familiar face at every Special Olympics NY event. He often speaks at fundraising and corporate gatherings for sponsors such as Geico and TD Bank. Matthew consistently seizes the chance to express gratitude to sponsors like ACANY for their unwavering support of Special Olympics NY. In 2016, St. John’s University reported that Matthew’s testimony for Special Olympics at the “Evening of Champions event” received a rousing standing ovation from supporters, donors, sponsors, and friends of the organization.

One of Matthew’s most memorable moments was addressing the new NBA players during the 2008 Draft. “I got to meet all the draftees and tell them all about Special Olympics. I met Derek Rose, Kevin Love, and the Lopez brothers, said Matthew Schuster.” “I told them that I am just like them, loving playing basketball. So, what if I am a little shorter than them.”

Matthews leadership on and off the court, field, and pool are part of why Special Olympics NY chose him to be a part of the Inaugural Athlete Congress (Athlete Leadership program). In 2021, as part of Matthews action leader plan he noted, “As a team leader I would encourage the athletes to do more by talking to them. I would help to grow their confidence by telling them how good they are doing.  I would rally them to feel good about themselves and their team.” Additionally, he was nominated for Special Olympics NY Athlete of the Year in 2023.

 

 

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