The Cal-Nev-Ha Children’s Fund is proud to recognize Ryan Schutte as the 2025 Special Athlete of the Year; an honor that celebrates not only athletic achievement, but the courage, resilience, and determination that define true sportsmanship.
At 21 years old, Ryan is an athlete in every sense of the word. Born with a rare condition called bilateral anophthalmia, Ryan is completely blind. At the age of five, he was also diagnosed with autism. Yet, these challenges have never defined him. Instead, Ryan has consistently redefined what is possible.
Although he does not participate in Special Olympics due to limited programming in his area, Ryan is deeply involved in a wide range of adaptive sports, and excels in all of them. His commitment to staying active, trying new things, and pushing his limits has made him a standout athlete within his community.
Ryan’s athletic pursuits are as diverse as they are impressive. He participates in bowling, flag football, taekwondo, ice hockey, ice skating, surfing, and weight training. Each sport requires unique adaptations, and Ryan meets every challenge with determination and enthusiasm.
On the football field, Ryan plays center, relying on verbal cues from teammates to snap the ball with precision. On the ice, he skates using his hockey stick as a guide, while a specially designed puck that rattles allows him to track the game by sound. When surfing, instructors use tactile markers on the board so Ryan can feel his footing, empowering him to stand and ride the waves independently.
In taekwondo, where he has earned his blue belt, Ryan demonstrates discipline and focus. In bowling, he adapts his technique depending on the setting, using a ramp with guided assistance in structured programs and rolling the ball independently with bumpers during casual play. His weight training further reflects his dedication to strength, health, and personal growth.
Coaches and mentors consistently describe Ryan as “fearless,” “disciplined,” and relentlessly driven. One coach shared, “Ryan has a presence. He walks into a room, or onto a field, and you feel inspired just watching him.”
The Kiwanis Club of Santa Clarita, which nominated Ryan and supports many of the adaptive programs he participates in, described him as “an athlete who exemplifies courage, resilience, and the very best of what young people can achieve with a little support and a lot of heart.”
Ryan’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of inclusive athletic opportunities. He reminds us all that ability is not defined by limitations, but by the willingness to try, to grow, and to never give up.
In recognition of his achievements, Ryan received a commemorative plaque and a $250 award to support his continued athletic journey.
Call for Nominations
Kiwanis clubs throughout the Cal-Nev-Ha District are encouraged to nominate a local athlete for the esteemed Special Athlete of the Year award. The selected honoree is recognized at the annual Kiwanis District Convention and receives a $250 award to support their athletic pursuits.
Nominations for the upcoming Special Athlete of the Year award are now being accepted and may be submitted through the online nomination form by any Kiwanis club within the CNH District. All supporting materials must be uploaded at the time of submission. Nominees must be residents of California, Nevada, or Hawaii.