Get to know Special Olympian, Dothan area resident Zachary Grice

DOTHAN, Ala. — Even though it was almost 34 years ago, I remember November 14, 1988. That day my longtime friends Hope and Keith Grice welcomed their son, Zachary (Zach). Zach was born with a genetic disorder known as Down Syndrome. With Down Syndrome there are varying degrees of intellectual and physical disabilities and associated medical issues. Zach has never let his “disabilities” limit his “abilities”, especially in the sports arena.

Zach started competing on the swim team through the City of Dothan Department of Leisure Services Therapeutic Recreation Program when he was 10. Zach was a successful swimmer. He began advancing to the state level. In 2003 Zach advanced all the way to the World Games. This is the flagship event of the Special Olympics movement. The games were held in Dublin, Ireland. Zach traveled and stayed with the United States Team at the two-week long event. He won a gold medal in the 50-meter backstroke and two silver medals, one in the 50-meter freestyle and one in the 100-meter relay. I asked Zach his favorite parts of the Ireland experience and he said, “winning the gold medal on my papa’s birthday and meeting some cool friends.”

Zach has also enjoyed competing on the local, state, and national level in cycling, archery and paddle boarding. In 2009 he and his best friend, Brad, made it all the way to Las Vegas to compete in unified bowling. Their teammates were Matt and Lori Barefield (Brad’s sister). They came home with a silver and a bronze medal. This past June, Zach competed nationally in paddle boarding. The event was held in Orlando. Zach’s favorite part of the competition was having his brother-in-law, Benjamin Sellers, as his coach. The duo prepared for 10 months, and Zach captured second place.

When Zach isn’t competing, he loves to listen to country music. His favorite artist is Michael Ray. He loves hanging out with his friends and his sister, Emma, and playing ball in the Dothan Miracle League. His favorite thing about Emma is that he can “always count on her.” One of his competition rituals is to repeat Philippians 4:13 and to gladly give Jesus credit for his success. Zach is a huge blessing to many. I am glad to be one of the many.

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