Orion Supports Special Olympics Athlete

Orion was built on its core values, one of which is community. When Orion’s Strategic Account Executive, Connor Cummins, started talking about how his cousin, Jack Held, was nominated to participate in the 2022 Special Olympics, Orion’s leadership instantly agreed to help support his journey.

"Orion being willing to support Jack is a great indicator of the culture at Orion,” said Connor. “I brought it up in passing to people in the office and everyone wanted to know how they could support Jack,” Connor continued. “It meant a lot to me as none of my colleagues had ever met him, but they could feel how special and important this is for him, and me, so they didn’t hesitate."

"It was one of the easiest decisions we’ve ever made at Orion,” says Yacov. “It has always been a priority of Orion's to support the causes that are close to the hearts of our employees. We will never turn down an opportunity to make this world a better place."   

Thousands of athletes and coaches from all 50 states come together every four years to compete in this inspiring and beloved sporting event. It is a part of a global movement to end discrimination and empower people with disabilities through sports. This year the event is taking place in Orlando, from June 5 through June 12.  

Jack Held is one of 143 athletes on Team Ohio and part of their basketball team. He’s been playing since he was a kid, almost 32 years, and his position is shooting guard. Coach Bobby Reidl often comments on Jack’s shooting abilities. Only the brave challenge him to a game of HORSE!

Off the court, Jack is an inspiration. Connor recalled a time, last summer, when he and his friends took Jack to one of his favorite arcades. Their goal was to win as many tickets as possible for Jack. Trading the tickets for a special prize behind the counter is his favorite part of the activity. At the end of the day, with a big stack of tickets in hand, Jack walked toward the counter. On his way, he spotted a child with a smaller stack than his and without hesitation, handed all his tickets to the child. “He loves nothing more than an act of kindness,” Connor explained.

 "Jack has the type of personality where he wants to see everyone around him having a good time. I’ve always admired the way he makes sure everyone gets a piece of the joy that he experiences on any occasion. I can’t think of someone who deserves something like this more than him because of the way he carries himself and treats others," says Connor. In fact, Jack was anonymously nominated and it was a complete surprise to his whole family. “However, it was no surprise that someone went out of their way to do so because Jack has that kind of impact on people,” Connor added.

Orion is proud to support Connor’s cousin, Jack Held, and we encourage you to donate to this amazing cause alongside us! 

You can donate by following this link https://www.classy.org/campaign/sponsor-an-athlete/c357448 , clicking 'Donate Now', typing 'Jack Held' in the 'search fundraisers and teams' field (his name should pop up), and then fill out the rest. Jack's reached his donation goal but all his overflow donations go to Team Ohio which is still in need of donations.