Fourth installment in the SONC “Carrying North Carolina With Me” series
“Carrying North Carolina With Me” celebrates the deep pride our Special Olympics athletes feel as they represent North Carolina on the national stage. It reflects the countless hours of training, the commitment shown in their local programs, and the determination that has brought them to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. This series will follow athletes whose journeys embody the spirit of North Carolina—showing how their connection to home fuels them in competition and how our programming supports them every step of the way, both on and off the field.
When Fonz McDonald steps onto the basketball court at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis in June, the moment will reflect years of preparation, teamwork and belief.
Competing on the national stage is something he once only watched on television with his moms, Nancy and Shelley Hyman, imagining what it might be like to be part of something so big. Now, he’s ready to experience it for himself.
“I think just being there is exciting,” Fonz said. “Meeting new people, seeing the Opening Ceremony and everything the Games have to offer.”
At 26 years old, the Special Olympics Brunswick County athlete has his sights set high. He’s proud to represent North Carolina in basketball with his team.
“We’re going to play together. We’re going to work hard and do our best,” he said. And when asked what he wants to bring home, he didn’t hesitate. “The gold.”
While his focus will be on the court when the ball tips off, Fonz knows the weight of the moment. Competing at the USA Games means representing his team, his state and the community that helped him get there.
That community will be hard to miss in the stands. Fonz isn’t just carrying North Carolina with him in spirit; he’s bringing it with him in numbers. More than 10 of his friends and family members are traveling to Minneapolis to cheer him on, filling the arena with familiar voices and hometown pride.
“It feels so good to have a lot of people supporting me,” he said. “I know in my heart that they’re there watching me.”
Those supporters include his parents, extended family, neighbors, and close friends who have rallied around him throughout his journey. Custom shirts have been ordered. Accommodations have been booked. Plans have been carefully made so no moment is missed.
“We’re literally bringing North Carolina with us,” his mom, Shelley, said with a laugh. “If we could bring more people, we would.”
For Fonz, North Carolina represents comfort, memories and a deep sense of belonging. Born in Charlotte and now living in Bolivia, he says he never wants to leave the state.
“I love North Carolina,” he said simply. “That’s where my heart is.”
That connection to home shows up in how he plays the game. He believes Team Special Olympics North Carolina (SONC) stands out, not because of flash, but because of heart.
“We want to learn. We work hard. We’ve bonded really well as a team,” he said.
It’s a bond that’s been strengthened through SONC, which has played a major role in shaping Fonz not just as an athlete, but as a leader.
Basketball taught him teamwork and sportsmanship, lessons he now puts into practice as a co-captain. On the court, he looks for ways to motivate his teammates, whether it’s offering encouragement, giving advice or reminding them to stay locked in defensively.
“I like to help and motivate,” he said.
That growth didn’t happen overnight.
“Watching his confidence grow has been amazing,” Shelley said. “He used to pay more attention to who was watching him than what was happening in the game. Now he understands it’s about the team.”
She credits Special Olympics with helping him mature and realize the importance of commitment and giving back. Through fundraisers, community events and support from people he didn’t even know, Fonz saw firsthand how others were willing to show up for him.
“He was shocked at how many strangers supported him,” she said. “Special Olympics has brought our family and our community closer together.”
SONC programming also introduced Fonz to strong mentorship. He speaks highly of his coach, Sean O’Donnell, who he describes as patient, motivating and always positive. That encouragement helped foster an environment where athletes could grow, learn and believe in themselves.
For his mom, Shelley, the most rewarding part of the journey has been seeing her son become a role model.
“He wants to be a good leader for his team,” she said. “He’s grown so much, and Special Olympics has been a huge part of that.”
As Fonz prepares for the USA Games, his excitement is already building. He’s been ready to pack for weeks, counting down the days until the experience begins. But beyond the ceremonies and competition, the Games represent something bigger.
When Fonz takes the court, he’ll carry the voices of home, the lessons from his coaches and the confidence gained through SONC. North Carolina won’t just be words on his jersey. It will be with him in every pass, every play and every moment on the national stage.
And no matter the final score, that is something worth celebrating.
