HELENA — "Let me win, and if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt" is the Special Olympics athlete's motto. It is something that the Helena Halos Special Olympics team chants at every practice.
Teammates Tommy Benedict and Kyle Norman emulate just that and what it means to be a leader in sports.
“You can use all the different skills I have learned outside of it to just keep me going as an athlete," Norman said.
That is exactly what Norman has done, competing in Special Olympics for the past 13 years and now being named the 2025 Montana athlete of the year.
“Athlete of the year is like one of the best things you can be in Special Olympics," Norman said.
Norman got this recognition back in November at the state basketball tournament and has since been wearing his athlete of the year jacket with pride and positivity.
“It was the most shocking thing ever," Norman said. "I was so shocked and surprised, and it was one of the most exciting things.”
It is fitting that this award was given at a basketball tournament since it is his favorite sport to compete in.
“I just like getting around the court and shooting hoops," he said.
He was chosen from more than 3,500 Special Olympic athletes across the Treasure State, and his team and family believe it is because of his ability to lead by example.
“Just to see him being recognized for all of the great things he does and showing that disabilities have no limits," said Kyle's mother, Terri Norman.
Benedict, also of the Helena Halos, has been part of Special Olympics for over a decade, as well.
“I play basketball, track and field, and soccer," Benedict said.
In March, he represented Montana in the nation’s capital.
“That made me feel proud of how good I did,” he said.
Special Olympics athletes from all across the country gathered at Capitol Hill Days.
Benedict said of his favorite parts of his trip to Washington, D.C.: “I got to see the Lincoln Memorial and I got to go talk to the senators.”
Norman and Benedict are grateful for their medals and recognition, but more importantly, their friendships.
“It is kind of fun to get to know these people, definitely get included with them, and get to hang out with them," Norman said.
Added Benedict: “My favorite part is seeing all my friends and playing with them in soccer and track.”
