Lance Duch of Gainesville, Florida, started volunteering with Special Olympics as a sophomore at the University of Florida. He has volunteered with bowling, golf and swimming. He has coached and competed as a Unified partner in basketball and flag football. At the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023, Lance will represent Special Olympics USA as a Unified partner in basketball.
A senior at the University of Florida, Lance will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in microbiology and cell science with minors in economics and pathogenesis. Employed at a microbiology lab on campus, Lance works as a lab assistant. He is a member of Dream Team on campus, volunteering with pediatric patients at UF Heath Shands Hospital. Through the hospital, he also is a member of No One Dies Alone, comforting patients through end-of-life care. Lance is a member of Phi Delta Epsilon, a premedical fraternity.
Lance attributes his life’s successes to his mother, who has supported him through his sports and academic endeavors. For Lance, being part of Special Olympics USA is an opportunity to champion inclusion on his biggest stage yet.