Special Olympics veteran is honored for 22 years of service

Friday, Dec. 05, 2014

LAYTON — Pam Hayden, a mother, coach, mentor, and advocate, was inducted into the Special Olympics of Utah Hall of Fame Nov. 15 for her two decades of work with the organization. 

Hayden, a graduate of Saint Joseph Catholic High School, has been a coach for Special Olympics swimming, bowling, cycling and basketball teams. She also has been a fundraiser for the Who-oo-ters and the Comets teams. She has twice represented Special Olympics Utah at the national level as an aquatics coach, once in 2006 and again this year; she was a bowling coach at the 2010 USA Games. In addition, she has been named Coach of the Year and a member of the Family of the Year. 

Hayden has been an “incredible resource” and role model, said Jenny Buich, Special Olympics North Area Regional Program manager. When Buich first became a staff person with Special Olympics Utah, Hayden taught her “about what sports we were providing, how to run events and she was an incredible inspiration, not only dedicated to her own child, but dedicated to people with cognitive disabilities in general,” Buich said. “She is a driving force behind the community that fosters inclusion and advocates strongly that everybody gets an opportunity no matter what the program is; she is an incredible role model for new coaches and volunteers.”

Hayden’s daughter, Kelsey, was born with Downs Syndrome 31 years ago. Since then, Hayden has been advocating for individuals with intellectual disabilities. 

“I wanted the same opportunities for Kelsey as I had for my son,” she said. “To me, if people with disabilities know the fundamental skills of a sport, then they will not always have to be in an adaptive physical education class; it also breaks down barriers. Teaching the kids skills gives them the knowledge and confidence they need to be included on teams, in open play, open swim, or regular physical education classes. … I think people with disabilities should be included in all aspects of the lives of people without disabilities.”

Training and competition “focuses on hard work, self-esteem, and discipline; traits that athletes take with them into the real world,” said Barry Hayden, Pam’s husband, who is also a Special Olympics coach.

For two years Hayden taught the second-grade First Communion class at Saint Rose of Lima, where her daughter also received the Sacrament of Confirmation.

“Kelsey participated in earning community service hours at a nursing home by popping popcorn, dancing, singing and giving manicures,” she said.

Many times there were requirements or teachers who said ‘she doesn’t need to do that,’ and Hayden’s reply was always, “She can do that,” she said. “I’ve had high expectations from Day One. There is no reason why children with disabilities can’t learn.”

As a mentor, Hayden has learned patience, she said. “I’ve also had a lot of camaraderie with many families we’ve met through Kelsey and Special Olympics.”

Among these families have been the Bonns: Heather Bonn and Hayden met in a Downs Syndrome support group, Heather Bonn said; her son Scott was born with the syndrome. 

“Pam encouraged Scott to join Special Olympics,” said Bonn. “Pam knows the athletes individually, and she knows how to get the most out of them. The athletes are always excited to see her and to engage with her. She is a good mentor for other coaches and can get the parents involved. She is also there to give advice because of her experience raising a child with special needs.”

Hayden has organized many activities for her teams, such as summer barbeques and end of season parties.

In addition to her work with Special Olympics, Hayden has served on the Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities; she was president of the Utah Downs Syndrome Foundation and president of the Utah Association of Intellectual Disabilities, while working full time for the Internal Revenue Service.