Marcus has a son who is a Special Olympics Virginia athlete and that is how we first got involved in the organization. He has been with area 2 for 15 years as the local coordinator in Virginia Beach and been a coach for multiple sports year-round. At the first event he attended years ago, he was called coach and knew he was locked in. Marcus said, “There are so many families with children and adults with special needs that didn’t know they could do these things because they didn’t know the opportunities were there.”
As a sports and fitness coach, Marcus wants to share this joy with everyone. This is why he focused on getting athletes back onto the playing field during 2020 and began a virtual fitness group that is still meeting today! Area 2 athlete Donte Fleming shared that Marcus is “always doing something crazy!” From a dunk tank, to shaving his beard, to a parade on the boardwalk, to a car wash – you name it and Marcus has done it. He looks forward to doing “crazy things to keep everyone motivated and involved” while raising money for the local program.
Marcus believes that “it’s never about me.” He shares, “It’s always about them [athletes].” Marcus has worked hard to involve the community of Virginia Beach. Marcus sees Special Olympics just like any other major sports program. He appreciates that athletes give it their all and help each other. Marcus works to ensure that the athletes he coaches will always have opportunities to shine and we thank Marcus for all the ways that he shines for the Special Olympics community year-round!
What is your favorite sport to play through Special Olympics?
I love basketball, flag football and power lifting. Basketball is 1st, flag football is 2nd and power lifting is 3rd. So many sports through Special Olympics mean so much to me, though!
What events through Special Olympics outside of sports have you participated in?
Polar Plunge is fun! I host and enjoy Special Olympics dances as well! Polar Plunge is one of my favorite events to attend and participate in, through Special Olympics.
Are there any specific individuals within Special Olympics you have close relationships with?
I am super close to my son Marcus Leggett Jr., who is one of my athletes and introduced me to this organization. Since then, I have supported Special Olympics ever since.
Has there ever been any negative experiences you’ve had working within the Special Olympics organization?
An obstacle I have had is people viewing the Special Olympics organization in a negative light and viewing this organization as inferior to other groups of people and organizations. I dislike this mindset because I know how extraordinary and game-changing Special Olympics is and can be.
