David Egan

David Egan has always dreamed big. When he first dipped his toes into the pool with Special Olympics Virginia at 10 years old, he wasn’t just learning to swim—he was chasing a dream. He wanted to win races, to push himself, to prove that anything was possible. But as David grew, so did his dreams. He wanted more than medals. He wanted a career, a voice, a chance to change the way the world sees people with intellectual disabilities.

“No matter my age or the fact that I have Down syndrome, I am a citizen that matters and I belong in my community,” David said. “Our world is a better place with us. We should be included at all levels of our society from the womb to the grave.”

And, in his own unique way, David has spent almost four decades sharing that powerful message. His journey has taken him across the globe, from Virginia to the Netherlands, Morocco, Greece and beyond.

In 2014, David was selected as a Special Olympics Sargent Shriver International Global Messenger, a role that allowed him to amplify his advocacy work. A year later, he made history as the first person with an intellectual disability to serve as a Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Public Policy Fellow on Capitol Hill. In that role, he worked with the Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee and the National Down Syndrome Society, testifying before the Senate HELP Committee, speaking about human rights at the United Nations, and briefing the NIH/NICHD Advisory Council. His work continues today—he actively contributes to research and represents self-advocates with the National Institutes of Health Down Syndrome Consortium.

He’s also an author, sharing his story in More Alike Than Different: My Life with Down Syndrome, a book that encourages readers to see beyond disabilities and recognize the power of shared humanity.

“Special Olympics gave David the confidence to overcome obstacles and it triggered in him a journey of advocacy,” said Kathleen Egan, David’s mom. “For us parents and his siblings, Special Olympics became our extended family.”

At the same time, he’s also built a meaningful career, working for more than two decades —first as a clerk at Booz Allen Hamilton, later at CBRE and today, as a Community Relations Coordinator at SourceAmerica near his home in Vienna. David also serves on several boards, always pushing for more opportunities for people with disabilities. He’s an advocate, a leader, and a changemaker, from his work with The Arc of Northern Virginia and the Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia to his role as a National Down Syndrome Society Ambassador. While serving as a Special Olympics Virginia Board Member, he successfully championed the hiring of a staff member with a disability—ensuring that inclusion isn’t just a message, but a reality.

He’s also still an athlete at heart, competing in soccer, basketball, softball, and swimming.

But David Egan’s story isn’t just about his own achievements —it’s how he’s paved the way for others to chase their dreams. And now he’s ready to help even more athletes change the game. David is one of three GameChangers, joining Frank Stephens and Paul Marretti, as some of Virginia’s earliest athlete advocates, paving the way for the next generation.

“Believe in yourself, discover your gifts, give it your best, be a team player, advocate and never give up,” David said. “Special Olympics is more than competition and medals.It is about our abilities and humanity.”