This year, we celebrate a remarkable milestone: the 10th anniversary of Special Compass! Over the past decade, this incredible organization has been dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to navigate life through education, sports, and housing. Special Compass has inspired countless people to push their limits, achieve the unimaginable, and accomplish their dreams.
As we reflect on the past 10 years, let’s take a journey through the key moments that have defined Special Compass’s mission and impact.
Timeline of Key Events
2015–2017: Early Days & Momentum
- 2015: The Beginning
- BattleFrog: Special Compass participated in the BattleFrog obstacle race, marking one of their earliest athletic events.
- Spartan Race: The team took part in the Spartan Race, showcasing their commitment to inclusion in challenging sports.
- 2016: Expanding the Mission
- Wellington Event: Special Compass expanded its reach by participating in the Wellington event, engaging the local community.
- September, Optime 5K: Athletes and volunteers joined forces for the Optime 5K, promoting inclusion through running.
- October, Goliath Gauntlet: The team tackled the Goliath Gauntlet, an obstacle course race, further pushing boundaries.
- November, Florida IronMan: Special Compass athletes competed in the Florida IronMan, demonstrating their endurance and determination.
- 2017: Building Momentum
- January, Miami Marathon: Special Compass participated in the Miami Marathon, continuing their tradition of inclusion in major races.
- February, A1A Publix Marathon: The team took part in the A1A Publix Marathon, inspiring others with their dedication.
2018–2021: New Formats & Resilience
- 2019: New Initiatives
- Miami Marathon: Special Compass returned to the Miami Marathon, solidifying their presence in the running community.
1st Annual Golf Tournament: The organization hosted its first golf tournament, raising funds and awareness for their mission.
- 2020: Overcoming Challenges
- Miami Marathon: The team participated in the Miami Marathon once again, continuing their legacy of inclusion in sports.
- 2nd Annual Golf Tournament: Special Compass held its second golf tournament, building on the success of the previous year.
- Miami Marathon: The team participated in the Miami Marathon once again, continuing their legacy of inclusion in sports.
- 2021: Continued Growth
- 3rd Annual Golf Tournament: The organization hosted its third golf tournament, further engaging supporters and raising funds.
- 3rd Annual Golf Tournament: The organization hosted its third golf tournament, further engaging supporters and raising funds.
2019–2020: Hosting Record-Breaking Duo Teams
- World’s Largest Duo-Team Triathlons
For two consecutive years, Special Compass hosted 42 Duo teams of differently-abled buddies and guides, setting a global record for such an event.- Triathlon Highlights:
Buddies were lodged at the Marriott in Miami on the Bay, chosen specifically for its proximity to the event’s unique starting line—a half-mile offshore island. On race day, the buddies were transported by boat to the island, where they began the triathlon’s swim portion in rafts tethered to their swimmer guides.After completing the swim, volunteers helped transition the buddies into race chairs connected to bicycles for a 25-mile cycling portion. Upon returning, the bikes were disconnected, and the guides pushed the buddies’ chairs for miles to the finish line. - Unprecedented Impact:
This triathlon remains the largest of its kind ever hosted, with no other organization in the world achieving such a feat. Although The Today Show expressed interest in documenting this extraordinary event, coverage was delayed during the 2016 election cycle and later disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Triathlon Highlights:
2021: Adaptive Housing Project Donation
- The City of Pembroke Pines donated 3 acres of land to Special Compass to build a 60-unit adaptive apartment complex. This project aims to provide accessible housing and services for individuals with disabilities.
- 2023 Update: Special Compass partnered with Greenmills Group Developers, and the project is now in phase one of funding. Groundbreaking is expected in 2026.
2022–2025: Recognition & Breaking New Ground
- 2022: Recognition
- Diversity & Inclusion Awards: Special Compass was honored for its efforts to promote diversity and inclusion across its programs and events.
- 2023: Breaking New Ground
- Key Largo Triathlon: Athletes with disabilities teamed up with local triathletes to compete in the Key Largo Triathlon, emphasizing teamwork and perseverance.
- Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis: Special Compass participated in this event, furthering their commitment to inclusion and community engagement.
Volunteer Testimonials
The heart of Special Compass lies in its community of volunteers, whose dedication drives the organization’s success.
- Taylor Byrne:
“I’ve been involved… and they are an incredible organization… I can’t recommend them enough… Thank you Special Compass!” - Kevin Sullivan:
“Special Compass is a wonderful organization… truly an inclusive group.” - Megan Burlage:
“This organization is wonderful! The Sayih family will amaze you… Great people, great mission…”
These heartfelt reflections highlight the profound impact Special Compass has made on its volunteers and the wider community.
Michael & Max: A Duo Team That Made History
- Their Journey
Michael Sayih, who has cerebral palsy, and his guide Max Fink first connected at a Coral Gables 5K. Inspired by Michael’s spirit and honoring his own mother’s memory, Max became his Power Buddy. Together, they competed in countless events, including 5Ks and IronMan races, with the ambitious goal of completing all six Abbott World Marathon Majors. - Tokyo Marathon Triumph
In March 2025, Michael and Max ran the Tokyo Marathon, becoming one of the first Duo Teams to earn the Six-Star Abbott Major medal. Finishing in 4:19:59, their achievement showcased teamwork, determination, and visibility for differently-abled athletes. - A Unique Bond
Michael’s mid-race check-ins with Max—“Max, are you doing OK?”—reflect their mutual care and camaraderie. Max once shared, “Michael makes me feel stronger, and together, we can do anything.”
Looking Back and Moving Forward
Over the past 10 years, Special Compass has transformed lives by fostering inclusion, building confidence, and creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities. From record-breaking triathlons to adaptive housing projects and countless community events, Special Compass has shown that anything is possible with determination and teamwork.
As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we also look forward to the future. Special Compass remains committed to its mission of empowering individuals with disabilities to live independently, participate fully in their communities, and achieve their dreams.
Here’s to the next decade of breaking barriers, crossing finish lines, and making dreams come true!