By Sean Minnihan
Matthew Lawrence will be the first to admit the influence that Special Olympics has had on him in recent years. Matt, in an interview about his upcoming trip to Seattle with the Lakewood Dirtbags softball team, acknowledged how Special Olympics has transformed his life.
His time with the organization helped him control anger management issues and “taught me to be a role model.”
“I’ve calmed down my anger,” he said, “and focused on helping and being there for a team instead of just myself.”
As a leader and integral part of his softball team, Matt and the Dirtbags have taken home gold and silver medals in many of their most recent regional competitions, including a gold at the 2016 Fall Games and silver the next year.
Matt’s success through Special Olympics has led to many of his own personal accomplishments. He is most proud of making the effort to learn to drive, live independently, and work for the Nabisco Co. Both in the ballpark and in life, Matt has strived to be a leader for his teammates and other Special Olympics athletes that he meets.
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