S4-Ep 38: The Power of Being Included: Lessons from Special Olympics Coach, Jarome Davis and Golfer Peyton Mattingly with his Father/Caddy Chad Mattingly

Special Olympics is about so much more than sports—it's about belonging, friendship, confidence, leadership, and having the opportunity to shine. In this special two-part episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism, host Jennifer Dantzler sits down with Dr. Jerome Davis, Head of Delegation for Special Olympics at Lone Star College, to talk about the growth of the program across the college system, the power of Unified Sports, and his unforgettable experience coaching Team Texas basketball to gold at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Then, Jennifer welcomes Special Olympics golfer Peyton Mattingly and his dad and caddy, Chad Mattingly. Peyton shares his love of golf, competing for Team Texas at the USA Games, finishing fourth, the friendships he's made along the way, and his goal of making it to the podium in 2030. Chad also reflects on Peyton's journey—from an early autism diagnosis and predictions about what he might not be able to do, to college, competitive golf, and a future filled with possibilities.  Through both conversations, one message comes through loud and clear: inclusion isn't simply being invited—it's being given the opportunity to participate, contribute, compete, build friendships, and be part of the team.