Junior Spencer Maddox holds a brightly colored yellow and black book in his hands. His cheeks turn red, and he giggles as he reads the title, “Hockey for Dummies,” he says. “My uncle got me this book.”

Maddox has never played hockey himself, and the thought of him skating on ice makes him laugh, but he is reading the book for one reason; he would like to become a referee. Maddox is an avid hockey fan, and attends most of the Amarillo Bulls games with his family.

“I like to watch them fight,” Maddox said. “There hasn’t been any fights because they keep putting them in the penalty box for no reason.”

Maddox said he would fix that if he became a referee. In addition to hockey, Maddox enjoys other sports. For the past three years, he has competed in Special Olympics, the world’s largest organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics provides year-around training and competitions for its athletes. In Amarillo, the Special Olympics are held year round at different locations around the city, and athletes compete in various events such as bowling, basketball and track. 

“Bowling and Basketball they are my favorite sports (to compete in),” Maddox said. “I practice bowling a lot, and my basketball team got third place last year.”

Maddox, who also competed in track, said his favorite thing about participating in Special Olympics isn’t playing the sport, but enjoying the sport. 

“I like playing with my friends,” Maddox said.