Meet Mike Mighaccio

MEMBER: Aktion Club of Charis Community, Fresno, California

FAVORITE SERVICE PROJECT: Rose Float

TASKS: He rode on the Kiwanis float in the parade.

TRIP OF A LIFETIME: In Japan, he competed in the Special Olympics’ 2005 World Winter Games

EVENTS: Alpine and downhill skiing.

ROAD TO OLYMPICS: Mike went to a regional meet and qualified for the state meet in 2004. From there, 200 athletes from Team USA were chosen to compete in Japan.

AWARDS: Placed 4th in the alpine event and 27th in the downhill category. “He did well, just not as well as he wanted,” his father says.

BEST PART OF TRIP: The whole thing. The first two days he lived in a host home with a Japanese family. They speak English, but Mike experienced Japanese culture. “He just loved it,” his father says. “He had a great time, made friends, and did his best. It was a great experience for him.”

YEARS ON THE SLOPES: He has been skiing ever since his buddy, who also has Down syndrome, introduced him to the sport 13 years ago.

FAVORITE TV SHOW: Wrestling

FAVORITE FOOD: Hamburgers.