Oscar Vicente of New York, New York, has coached Special Olympics for nine years. He has served as head coach for athletics, basketball, bowling, floor hockey, soccer and volleyball. He will represent Special Olympics USA as head coach in soccer. Defying all odds, Oscar founded Special Olympics New York’s first all-female floor hockey team, the 721M Female City Hawks. A teacher for the New York City Department of Education, he also coaches the 721M City Hawks Unified Training Club soccer team, which he helped lead to gold in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. This team will represent Special Olympics USA in the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.
He greatly admires his children, who he has supported in overcoming life challenges, watching them succeed. Special Olympics has changed Oscar’s life by giving him, his athletes and his Unified partners so many once-in-a-lifetime opportunities they could have never experienced anywhere else. Special Olympics has also opened doors to unbelievable possibilities, which has led their students to brighter and successful futures. Along the way, they have traveled the world and have met lifelong friends, competing together in the highest level. The World Games is the greatest stage for Special Olympics and he is excited for his athletes to be on it.