News Release

Harrisburg, PA - Treasurer Stacy Garrity today congratulated Izaak Hobday, who won a gold medal and a silver medal at this year’s World Special Olympics, for his tremendous accomplishments. Hobday, of Athens, Bradford County, was one of just two Pennsylvanians chosen to represent the United States in the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany.

Izaak, the first-ever Special Olympic athlete from Bradford County to compete in the World Games, won gold in the 1,500-meter run and silver in the 5,000-meter run.

“What Izaak did is absolutely incredible. Everyone from Bradford County was rooting for him, and we’re all incredibly proud of his efforts and his medal-winning performances on the world stage. Izaak is a true competitor, and he showed that to the entire world with his performance in Berlin. This is the first time he competed at an international level, and Izaak showed us all what he’s made of.”

Pennsylvania State Treasurer, Stacy Garrity

Approximately 7,000 Special Olympic athletes and Unified partners from 190 delegations competed in 26 sports at this year’s games, which took place from June 17 through June 25.

Izaak’s gold medal ceremony can be viewed here.

Izaak will receive a proclamation from Treasurer Garrity, offering him congratulations on behalf of the Pennsylvania Treasury Department and the entire Commonwealth. The full text of the proclamation follows:

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, Izaak Hobday of Athens, Pennsylvania, honorably represented the United States of America and Special Olympics USA in the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany, and in so doing made his hometown, his home state, and the entire country proud; and

WHEREAS, Izaak won Gold in the 1,500-meter race and Silver in the 5,000-meter race, both tremendous achievements worthy of great celebration; and

WHEREAS, Izaak represented the United States of America individually in the 1,500-meter and 5,000-meter runs, and as was part of the 4x400-meter relay team;

WHEREAS, Izaak was the first Special Olympian from Bradford County to earn a trip to the World Games and was one of just two Pennsylvanians chosen to compete in the 2023 Special Olympics World Games as one of approximately 7,000 Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners from 190 delegations who competed in 26 sports; and

WHEREAS, Izaak is a 2022 graduate of Athens Area High School, where he won national titles as a member of the varsity cross country team and the varsity track and field team; and

WHEREAS, Izaak started his running career when he was 16 and continues to be a dedicated competitor who trains hard to compete at the highest level; and

WHEREAS, Izaak was selected to compete on the World Team to represent the United States of America after qualifying during competition at the 2022 Special Olympics Summer Games at Penn State University; and

WHEREAS, The people of Bradford County were united in their love and support of Izaak as he participated in the Special Olympics World Games; and

WHEREAS, Izaak’s home community and Pennsylvanians statewide are incredibly proud of his great accomplishments and medal-winning performances; now therefore be it

RESOLVED, That Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity, on behalf of the Pennsylvania Treasury Department and the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, extends her sincere congratulations to Izaak Hobday for his tremendous accomplishments at the 2023 Special Olympics World Games.