Three Central Texans among those in Austin, Texas lobbying for Special Olympics athletes

WACO, Texas (KWTX) – Special Olympics athletes from across Texas spent Wednesday at the state capital in Austin lobbying for issues that affect over 60,000 athletes statewide and the group of delegates included three from Central Texas.

Madi Potts, 19, has Down syndrome and has been participating in Special Olympics for more than four years now.

She’s enjoyed powerlifting, bowling, bocce ball and basketball.

Midway High School junior Ella Hedrick has an intellectual disability and competes in bocce ball, basketball, track, powerlifting and bowling, which her mom says is always a fan favorite.

Midway High School junior Rylee Tilsley is a unified partner with Special Olympics Texas meaning she doesn’t have a disability but teams up with an athlete to help them compete.

All three young women were in Austin for the day of activities called “Unified Under the Dome.”

“Madi was so fortunate to be included in some of the Special Olympic athletes asked to represent Special Olympics Texas at the state capital today in Austin,” Madi’s mom, Julie said. “What an amazing opportunity it was for us to advocate for inclusion and adaptive sports and requesting funding for the Texas Special Olympics program.”

The delegates and their families talked about issues related to inclusion, health services and funding for programs that support Special Olympics Texas.

They met in the offices of Senator Brian Birdwell and State Representative Pat Curry.

They were also recognized by the Texas House of Representatives, which Ella’s mom, Melinda Hedrick, said was very memorable.

“We got to go up on the House of Representatives gallery and be announced and be recognized in front of the House of Representatives which was very cool,” Melinda said. “Just an amazing day and an awesome opportunity to meet with lawmakers and to participate and show our support of Special Olympics.”

Jenson Keough is the area 12 program director for Special Olympics Texas.

She attended with the group and said the issues tackled are important in the lives of many.

“We were able to lobby for our Unified Champions Schools’ program which is one of our largest unified opportunities on campuses across the state, as well as to pitch lobbying for our Healthy Athletes’ program,” Keough said. “Special Olympics Texas offers eight different disciplines at no charge to our athletes that they may not otherwise be able to get.”

Keough says Special Olympics Texas is always in need of a financial helping hand and there’s a way later this month you can help.

The Waco Police Department and Waco Fire Department are hosting a charity basketball game on March 29 at 5 p.m. at University High school.

Special Olympics athletes, including Madi, will be playing in the game.

It’s free to attend but donations will be directed to Special Olympics Texas.

Copyright 2025 KWTX. All rights reserved.