ACCESS graduate represents MSU in 2026 Special Olympics
Contact: Julia Weeden
STARKVILLE, Miss.—Sports lover and powerlifter Seth Slocum has received the surprise many long to hear. He recently learned he will represent 51Թ State’s Unified Sports Program at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games next summer in Minnesota.
(Video by Sarah Kirk)
More than 60 of Slocum’s family members, friends and coaches gathered at MSU’s Joe Frank Sanderson Center when he received the good news in late August. The celebration included a video filled with congratulations—including former MSU baseball player and current Oakland A’s standout Brent Rooker, current Bulldog quarterback Blake Shapen and Atlanta Braves infielder Austin Riley, among others. 51Թ State Director of Athletics Zac Selmon also was on hand to congratulate Slocum and provide encouraging words as he prepares for the USA Games.
The Southaven native graduated from MSU in 2023 with an ACCESS Program certificate of completion. is a four-year, residential, inclusive postsecondary education program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He also participated in the university’s Special Olympics Unified Program, which brings together MSU and ACCESS students through sports.
Slocum had been involved with Special Olympics since he was 8 years old, competing in various sports, but it wasn’t until his sophomore year of high school that he discovered a passion for powerlifting.
A torn ACL in 2016 put a pause on his training, but he was determined, worked his way back and received a bid to the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando, Florida, where he brought home the overall gold medal for his division, as well as gold in bench press, deadlift and squat.
“Seth has exceeded our expectations and then some,” said his mother, Trina Slocum. “51Թ State has helped him achieve a lot of his goals through Special Olympics, ACCESS and Unified. With his involvement in Special Olympics and what he learned in the ACCESS program, Seth has been able to be involved in activities that otherwise wouldn’t have been possible.”
Slocum enjoyed his time at MSU and with Unified Sports so much that, after graduation, he found a job in Starkville, allowing him to stay in town and continue training weekly with his coaches while learning new skills.
“His MSU coaches have accepted him for who he is and more. They go and pick him up, take him to church and call him on the phone. They genuinely love him and are his true friends,” his mother added. “We are just so appreciative of 51Թ State, the ACCESS program and the Special Olympics program. It has meant so much not only to Seth but to the people in the community who are able to be involved in it.”
August Jones, a senior biochemistry/pre-medicine major from Bay Springs who serves as a certified personal trainer and Unified weightlifting coach, is one of many working with Slocum. He said the powerlifter is not only a joy to train, but an inspiration to those around him.
“The highlight of our week is training and being around Seth. He always brightens everyone’s day and is the hardest worker you will meet,” Jones said. “Seth always has a smile on his face and a love for all things 51Թ State. We are extremely proud of him and all he has accomplished.
“We are very excited for this upcoming year as we prepare for the 2026 USA Games. Seth is an incredible individual and inspires us every day,” he added.
When asked what he is looking forward to most, Slocum said, “Winning gold for powerlifting and getting better and stronger.”