SAULT STE. MARIE- Nick Kammers is a U.P. native and athlete on the Area 35 Special Olympics team. Nick was diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, ODD and Bipolar Disorder by the time he was six years old.
However, he always had a love for sports, and when he began competing he quickly excelled.
“I liked basketball when we had it. I like my snowshoeing. My snowshoeing I’m first in the state (in the) 50 meters and 100 meters. I also did powerlifting for a while, my max deadlift was 405. I swim, I do my bocce ball, I bowl, I like bowling more now” (Nick Kammers).
Earlier this year at a unified bowling tournament Nick received a special honor and was surprised with the news that he was named the 2024 Michigan Special Olympics athlete of the year. The prestigious award celebrates athletes who have made significant contributions to Special Olympics.
“I was told he was being nominated for it, but we did not know he was getting it. They had a banquet, which, we did not. We weren’t able to attend. So, the area director brought it home and presented it to Nick at our bowling tournament. So I’m very proud of him.
You know, it’s just not how well he does in his sports. But Nick is always there to help carry things. Run for the coaches or whatever. They can all ask Nick. Hey, Nick, will you go do this for me? Not a word out of Nick. And he’s right there doing it” (Kathy Bensel, Nick’s Grandmother/guardian).
Kathy Bensel has been Nicks guardian since he was 10 years old and first introduced him to Special Olympics, as she is also the areas assistant director.
“He does a really good job at it and he enjoys the other athletes that he’s involved with. Nick knows my boundaries; he pushes them a little bit. I know Nicks boundaries, I push them a little bit, but we get along good. We do a lot together other than Special Olympics such as camping, fishing, (and) hockey games, he loves hockey games” (Kathy Bensel).
“I think she does a good job, and I think she pushes us hard but not too hard so i thank her for doing that, and I thank everyone else that helps us” (Nick Kammers).
Today Nick has a job, is capable of being independent, and looks to continue bringing home the awards.
“And I never tell him, no, you cannot do that because you have disability. We find a way to work around it " (Bensel).
Nicks next event is snowshoeing regionals on January 18th where he’s hoping to move on to the State Finals next month.