Special Olympics Wake County athletes Pepper and Rio Byrd are identical twins. Lap after lap, their glides synchronous, the 18-year-olds mirror each other from across the skating rink. At the 2022 Special Olympics North Carolina (SONC) Fall Tournament, held Nov. 10-12 in Charlotte, North Carolina, Pepper and Rio laced up alongside fellow roller skaters from Wake County.
“We used to have a roller-skating rink not too far from our house,” said Darryl Bird, Pepper and Rio’s father. “It was a natural progression for us. Once we saw that roller skating was offered through Special Olympics, it was easy for them because they were already skating. They learned to skate even better through Special Olympics.”
According to Rio, the twins favor their time training in “basketball, softball, roller skating, of course, and bowling.” From a young age, there was no question about it. Pepper and Rio would play sports, which they’ve done through Special Olympics, Miracle League and Spirit League.
Byrd family members naturally inherit a pursuit of athletic achievement. Their grandfather ran track and played basketball. Their cousin competed in the United States Olympic Team Trials in the 400-meter hurdles. Introduced to Special Olympics in elementary school, their parents saw a perfect fit for the youngest Byrds.
“We’re always doing an activity of some kind, keeping them busy,” said their mother, Denise. “Special Olympics is great for that because you have so many choices. We wish we could do all of them. Rio is quite the competitor.”
Rio, she is Pepper’s greatest companion, always available to assist when needed, preparing meals for her sister or demonstrating a new skating technique. Watching the sense of companionship between the two transcend to sports competition, for Darryl and Denise, has always been fun.
“It’s great for them to be themselves and they are great competitors,” remarked Denise. “It’s so fun to watch.”
At least one of their parents, always on the sidelines, is often joined by one of Pepper and Rio’s two older sisters. Cheering for Pepper and Rio, the Byrd family is appreciative of the others who stand beside them, doing the same.
“I like to think it gives us a sense of community, a sense of being more rounded,” said Darryl. “What I have realized is that we meet the same parents who are participating in other events and activities, and you get to know them. Going forward, that helps reinforce that this is a supportive environment that Special Olympics provides for people, like our children, who sometimes can feel isolated.”
The twins, who will always have each other, share that feeling of togetherness with many more.
