Barry’s Once-in-a-Lifetime Olympic Story

While watching the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan Cortina, Barry, a resident at American House Keene, found himself turning off the TV, not because he wasn’t enjoying the competition, but because it brought back memories of his own Olympic experience.

Barry is a native of Keene, New Hampshire, where he grew up alongside three sisters. His mother worked as a registered nurse and his father worked for the cities of Winchester and Keene. At just 14 years old, Barry was a student at Keene Junior High when his teacher, Mrs. Katerat, nominated him for a remarkable opportunity: to attend the very first Special Olympics in Chicago in 1968. Barry was selected as one of only a handful of students chosen for this historic event.

“It really was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Barry said.

Along with his classmates, Barry helped carry the torch and competed in several events, including long jump and running races. Traveling to Chicago marked many firsts for him, including his first airplane ride and staying in a hotel for two weeks while the Games were underway. He laughed remembering getting stuck in a revolving door, a small moment that still brings a smile decades later.

Barry also had the opportunity to meet Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who delivered the opening speech, as well as Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and future New Hampshire Governor Hugh Gallen. After returning home, he received a letter from Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey, a treasured keepsake Barry keeps framed to this day.

During their stay, Barry and his fellow athletes explored Chicago on a tour bus, met people from different backgrounds and nationalities and cheered one another on.

“We’re all on this Earth to get along,” Barry said. “We’re all going to see each other again sometime anyway.”

He fondly recalls watching other athletes compete and feeling proud of everyone who worked hard to achieve their goals. One of the most unforgettable moments was when Barry delivered a speech in front of a huge crowd in Chicago and an address that aired on national television.

Reflecting on that time, Barry said with a grin: “I’m a scrawny little guy, but I got a lot of power behind me.”

After the Games, Barry went on to enjoy a career making children’s furniture. He has now been part of the American House Keene community for one year.

“I really like it here,” he shared. “The staff is so kind. They all keep an eye on me to make sure I’m all right and safe. This is home.”