By Hayley Wheeler
BU News Service
Isaiah Lombardo, a 24-year-old with Down syndrome, attempts to catch a rebound in the state qualifying Special Olympics basketball game at Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School in Bridgewater, Mass. Feb. 8 2020. Photo by Hayley Wheeler / BU News Service 
Lombardo ties his shoe as he prepares to shoot a free throw during the game at Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School in Bridgewater, Mass. Feb. 8 2020. Photo by Hayley Wheeler / BU News Service 
Lombard fist bumps assistant coach Traci after he scored a basket and returned to the bench at Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School in Bridgewater, Mass. Feb. 8 2020. Photo by Hayley Wheeler / BU News Service 
Lombardo watches the rest of his teammates on the Special Olympics basketball team, Communitas Celtics, as parents of players look down at the game from the rafters at Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School in Bridgewater, Mass. Feb. 8 2020. Photo by Hayley Wheeler / BU News Service 
Lombardo plays defense during a Special Olympics basketball game at Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School in Bridgewater, Mass. Feb. 8 2020. Photo by Hayley Wheeler / BU News Service 
Lombardo’s mother Angela rubs his head after the game, trying to cheer him up after a tough loss in the state qualifying Special Olympics basketball game at Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School in Bridgewater, Mass. Feb. 8 2020. Photo by Hayley Wheeler / BU News Service 
Lombardo’s coach gives him a pep talk after the Communitas Celtics faced a 28-10 loss against a Special Olympics basketball team from Cape Cod, disqualifying them from moving forward in the state tournament at Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School in Bridgewater, Mass. Feb. 8 2020. Photo by Hayley Wheeler / BU News Service 
Lombardo and his coach exit the gym after the loss at Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School in Bridgewater, Mass. Feb. 8 2020. Photo by Hayley Wheeler / BU News Service
Isaiah Lombardo, a 24-year-old with Down syndrome, participates in a slew of activities, including Special Olympics basketball. His teammates and families all arrived at Bridgewater Raynham Regional High School for the state qualifiers this February. When the Communitas Celtics lost the game 28-10, disqualifying them from continuing in the tournament, Isaiah’s support system rallied around him.
This is typical for Isaiah, who has a close family and friend group who encourages him in everything he does. Isaiah works at Agganis Arena at Boston University as an usher and at Fenway Park as a popcorn server. Along with basketball, Isaiah takes dance classes, boxing classes and advocates for other people with Down syndrome through public speaking events.
