When Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) President & CEO, Tim Hileman, first envisioned the Gamechanger Award, he wanted it to celebrate those who truly embody the heart of the organization - athletes, coaches, and volunteers who not only compete but lift others up, lead by example, and spread the mission of inclusion wherever they go.
When it came time to present the very first award, the choice was clear…
At every event, from Opening Ceremony to the gymnastics mat, Rachel Brott’s energy is contagious. She cheers on every competitor, celebrates every finish, and turns every encounter into an opportunity for encouragement.
“There’s no better representation of Special Olympics and supporting others,” Hileman said of Brott. “Rachel lives and breathes the mission of inclusion and friendship.”
A Lifelong Connection to Sports
Brott’s journey began when she was just two years old, cheering for her father’s girls’ basketball team. “They were like a family to me,” she recalled. By age eight, she was no longer just cheering - she was on the court herself, becoming a team player and, later, a Special Olympics athlete.
Her passion didn’t stop there. Brott discovered gymnastics - starting with artistic and then moving into rhythmic -becoming one of the original athletes in her area to compete in the sport. What began as a small group of four or five has now grown into a thriving team that feels, as Brott describes it, like “one big happy family.”
The Power of Friendship and Belonging
When asked what she loves most about being a Special Olympics athlete, Brott’s answer came easily: the people.”
“It feels like being around my friends,” she said. “We see each other inside and outside of Special Olympics - in theater, at Autism Support of Kent County, even going to the movies. We just have this great community.”
That sense of connection is what fuels Brott’s dedication to celebrating others. She makes a point to congratulate fellow athletes every time they compete, reminding them that their efforts matter. “I always do this every time - I celebrate the
athletes,” she said. “Even my friends outside my area. We’ve become really good friends.”
A Moment of Pride
When Brott learned she was receiving the first-ever Gamechanger Award, she was stunned. “I stood there for a minute like I thought I was dreaming,” she laughed. Her first call was to her mom - but her first thought was of her dad, who passed away in 2024. “He was my best friend. My dad started it all. He was a coach, a mentor - I wanted to make him proud.”
In that moment, the award became more than recognition. It became a tribute - to her father, to the friendships she’s built, and to the community that continues to lift her up.
Leading with Heart
Brott’s impact extends far beyond medals and routines. She leads by example, showing what it means to persevere through loss and to find purpose in community.
Her coach, Megan, wasn’t surprised by the award. “She sees me doing this outside of sports too,” Brott said. “She knows I always try to support others.”
Her advice for new athletes is just as heartfelt:
“I know you might be nervous or anxious, but once you start little by little, you’ll see the athletes welcoming you with open arms. All your worries will just slip away.”
Carrying the Torch Forward
Today, Brott continues to compete in basketball - the sport that first connected her to her dad - and rhythmic gymnastics. Her niece has since joined her in both sports, following in her footsteps. “Now I can see her growth,” Brott said proudly. “It’s
amazing to see her follow my path.”
When asked about her goals, Brott’s answer reflects her strength and determination: “I’m just trying to do my best in everything I can. When my dad died, I didn’t know where to go. But now I’m trying to keep going — with my friends helping me stay focused and strive.”
A True Gamechanger
For Hileman, Brott represents the very best of Special Olympics - courage, compassion, and community. “If we all followed our athletes’ lead,” he said, “we’d have a much better world.”
Brott may have been the first to receive the Gamechanger Award, but her story ensures she won’t be the last. Her journey is a reminder that being a game-changer isn’t just about competition - it’s about heart, perseverance, and the power of
inclusion.
As Brott herself put it best: “Special Olympics is just a happy family. If you don’t know it, just try it. If you don’t like one sport, try another. Who knows? You might find a hidden talent.”