Michael is a 16 year old para athlete who was diagnosed with autism at age 3. He attended therapy regularly and struggled tremendously with focusing and following directions. He was not able to communicate until he was 6 years old.

Michael is a kindhearted kid who loves to play the guitar, draw, and train/compete in Taekwondo. He has been training 5-6 days a week for over 5 years and is a 1st Dan Kukkikwon Black belt. Taekwondo has helped Michael in several areas including discipline, courtesy, inclusion, social engagement, physical fitness, structure, perseverance, resiliency, self-control, integrity, and indomitable spirit.

Michael has been competing locally in Central Florida at Martial Arts tournaments for 4 1/2 years and has won over 40 medals. He is a 2x AAU National champion, 4x AAU State champion, AAU Para Athlete of the Year Nominee (runner-up), and USAT National bronze medalist.

He recently made the U.S.A. National Poomsae Team for Paralympic athletes. Michael will be competing both nationally and internationally representing the U.S. on track for the 2032 Special Olympics in Australia.

To qualify, he will need to compete in several out of state tournaments, and training camps. Travel and tournaments for 2026 to Vegas, PA, NC, and Arkansas this year are costly, but this is an opportunity of a lifetime for Michael. Please help support his dreams of going to the olympics by meeting the qualifications and showing the world that different does not mean less. Thanks so much for your support and God bless!!!