Every day at Special Olympics, the value of inclusion is at work, woven into the fabric of its mission. In theaters March 10, the value of inclusion is amplified on the big screen. A Focus Features film, Woody Harrelson and Kaitlin Olsen headline in “Champions,” directed by Bobby Farrelly. Harrelson plays a disgraced minor-league basketball coach, Marcus, who is ordered by the court to train a Special Olympics basketball team, the Friends.
Special Olympics North Carolina (SONC) athletes Kevin Iannucci and Brad Edens star on that roster. Competing with Special Olympics Wake County, the two have, at times, shared the court and the stage, performing with Special Theatre Arts of Raleigh (S.T.A.R.). Now, together, they share their affinity for acting with a cinematic landscape of audiences everywhere.
Iannucci, cast as Johnny, began his acting career in his hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina, and has appeared in the feature film “The Best of Enemies,” with actors Sam Rockwell and Taraji P. Henson, and “Embattled.” Honing his craft of acting, on set, he feels most at home.
“What I like about acting is just being on set and playing different characters in different worlds,” explained Iannucci. “So, my character is Johnny, and he is a fun-loving guy that enjoys hugs, he’s an animal lover and I love animals myself.”
For the past 20 years, Iannucci has participated in Special Olympics, competing in athletics, basketball, soccer, swimming and tennis. Proud of the medals he has earned in competition, he dreams of adding an Academy Award to that collection. In celebrating such a pivotal moment in his acting career, he is grateful to do so with his good friend, Brad Edens.
Since 2017, Edens has competed in bocce, basketball and bowling with Special Olympics. For more than 20 years, he has performed with S.T.A.R., an extracurricular activity that would lead to his role in “Champions.” Without giving away his claim to fame, his character, Showtime, steals the spotlight with a signature throw. An unconventional play on the court, it suits Edens, as he excels at “throwing the ball.” In the film, Harrelson grows as fond of his players’ individualized abilities as he does the players themselves.
“It’s really been an amazing thing for Brad to be in something like this,” said his mother, Julie Edens. “It would never have crossed our minds… Woody grew to love these guys. They are special to him, and you can tell. When we were at the premiere event, they were just so excited to see them.”
Edens echoes that sentiment, “I like Woody, he’s funny and cool.” Illustrating the bond between Harrelson and his team required no acting whatsoever, its existence very much alive behind the scenes.
“Working with Woody was a magical experience,” said Iannucci. “He’s a talented guy and I enjoy acting with him on set.”
What is reflected for audiences on the screen is the real impact of inclusion. Harrelson and his team championed an inclusive space when the cameras were not rolling, in their off-camera conversations, interactions and shared experiences. When the theater lights dim and “Champions” opens, that space comes to light.
