Ian Shepherd of Newport, Rhode Island, has been a Special Olympics athlete for 23 years and has competed in three previous Special Olympics World Games. He is a former member of the Special Olympics Rhode Island Board of Directors. He is currently enrolled in Special Olympics Rhode Island’s Athlete Leadership University, preparing him to take on additional leadership roles.
In addition to his Special Olympics accomplishments, Ian is an Eagle Scout and serves on the Board of Directors for Looking Upwards, a nonprofit that serves children and adults with disabilities. In his free time, Ian enjoys gardening, biking, hiking, fishing and snorkeling.
Ian will continue working out regularly to ensure he’s prepared to compete at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025.