Joshua “Josh” Powell of Greenville, South Carolina, has been involved with Special Olympics for nearly 30 years as an athlete in Colorado and South Carolina in athletics, bowling and swimming. He will represent Special Olympics USA in bowling. Through Special Olympics, Josh has traveled the world, visiting Programs in China and the Philippines. For the past eight years, Josh has served as a Global Messenger, speaking to the power of inclusion. A talented speaker, Josh is also a talented singer and has performed the United States national anthem at a United States Embassy event hosted in the Philippines. The phrase, “be brave in the attempt,” of the Special Olympics athlete oath has changed Josh’s life, reminding him that his disabilities are also his greatest strengths.
He holds an associate’s degree in ministry and a bachelor’s degree in education. He attended training as a classical singer and uses his talent to make others smile. He is employed at Hampton Inn & Suites as a front desk associate.
Josh refers to Special Olympics as a worldwide family, competing together through fellowship and showing the world what they can do.