Tito Castillo Supporting Athlete Achievements

Tito Castillo embodies what it means to be a servant leader.

He exudes joy when talking connecting with the athletes in the Ripley-Ohio-Dearborn Counties program, and he clearly places the needs of the athletes he coaches before his own.

Tito began volunteering in 2015 as a basketball coach, and though he doesn’t have a family member in the movement, his coaching role quickly expanded to include several other sports.

“The payoff is the athlete smiles” Tito said.

He has many fond memories of coaching and they all revolve around athletes’ accomplishments, from first baskets to winning a state championship to the opportunity to compete on the national stage.

In fact, Tito traveled to Orlando, Fla., at his own expense to support four of his athletes competing with Team Indiana at the 2022 USA Games. And he proudly celebrated their personal victories just as much as the one gold and four silver medals they brought home.

County coordinator Greg Townsend said Tito also helps the athletes maintain perspective that competing is about doing their best but also having fun.

“He is truly an individual who exemplifies the Special Olympics’ spirit of skill, courage, sharing and joy, and demonstrates an overall commitment to Special Olympics,” Townsend said.