On your daily commute along Mariner or Northcliffe, you may have noticed a tall man walking along the road. You may have passed him within a corridor of Oak Hill Hospital, where he worked as a linen and sanitation specialist. If you were fortunate enough to have known him, then you know that this was not just any man.
Although he was content to let you believe otherwise. “No one hardly knew of his achievements until after his passing because he never spoke of himself,” stated Gene Collins, a close family friend.
At the start of Mark Swiconek’s life, doctors said that he would not live beyond 14 years old and he would not have full use of his arms and legs. He suffered epileptic seizures. Doctors labeled him as mentally retarded and used the term “water on the brain.” Mark was born in a time when there were little resources for people with such a condition.
Defiance of these bleak predictions started with his mother. She taught him to crawl by moving each limb, one by one. Mark eventually built up the necessary strength to crawl and then walk. While in school, his family did not think that Mark was challenged enough by special education and insisted that he attend public school like any other child.
Mark grew into a “giant of a man,” using the words of Gene Collins. He was not only referring to his height, but his extraordinary nature and his immeasurable accomplishments.
Soon after earning his high school diploma, he became involved in the Special Olympics organization as well as Toastmasters. Toastmasters gave Mark an authoritative voice and Special Olympics gave him a platform from which to spread his message. Mark’s voice was legendary within the Special Olympics organization. Many refer to him as “the greatest speaker of all.”
He rose to great heights within both organizations. He became a Special Olympics Global Messenger which allowed him to travel around the world, meeting numerous dignitaries and celebrities. He was the winner of many Gold, Silver and Bronze medals in 3 different states and international competition. His Special Olympics career led him to provide sports coverage for ABC news.
But his goal was not the glory of meeting important people. His close friend Gene Collins explained, “If Mark had a chance he would take it, to reach out and inform people that special needs people may be slower, but they are not stupid.” Sister Barbara Dalpe stated, “Mark’s main purpose of this life that he lived was to be a global messenger with the Special Olympics… That’s why he was here.”
Rhonda Coleman, Director of Hernando County Special Olympics stated, “He exemplified the spirit of Special Olympics.” She explained that he was a mentor not just to athletes, but volunteers and coaches as well. He made himself available to others for guidance and advice. “He achieved more accomplishments in his life than many have dreamed of,” she said.
Mark was a Eucharistic Minister at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Church. He brought Communion to patients at Oak Hill Hospital as a Eucharistic Minister as well.
At Oak Hill Hospital, Mark may not have had a big title, but he did have big influence. Gene Collins was touched when CEO of Oak Hill Hospital, Mickey Smith, spoke at Mark’s memorial service and stated that he doesn’t know how he’ll be able to run the hospital without him. He knew everyone there by name and always wore a smile.
Special Olympics will be commemorating Mark and his achievements through a display of medals at their Hernando County office. His framed jersey will be on display at the Florida Headquarters for a period of time.
They will also be dedicating a torch in his name. In 1992, The Hartford Courant quoted an excerpt of Mark’s speech entitled “Passing the Torch.” “It burns because we burn a torch deep within our hearts…. We are torches, and we must ignite other torches, so they can burn bright for other Special Olympians. We burn with the Special Olympics flame, because we believe in what Special Olympics does for people with mental retardation.”
A memorial service will be held at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Church in Spring Hill, Thursday January 21st at 11:00AM.