Be a Fan of Inspiration ...
"When I first started playing two years ago, I wasn't that good," Bowers said. "I am better at the game now because I practice all the time."
Be a Fan of Inclusion ...
Sanders found a new meaning to life when he joined Special Olympics. He said that being a part of this is keeping him off the streets and it's something to look forward to because he made new friends.
Be a Fan of Sport ...
Martinez, who is from Sullivan County and is coached by Melissa Ebeling, believes that the Special Olympics has helped him stay motivated as well keeping positive.
News
June 10, 2010
Athlete Profile - Donna Smith - 2010 State Summer Games
Donna Smith, 21 years old, loves being a part of the Special Olympics. She gets to be part of a family. “We live in two different worlds,” Smith said. “One world is at school where people stare and tease us then the other world is where we are all together and are one big family where nobody makes fun.”
Smith also plays softball and swimming. The biggest challenge she has overcome was the 200 freestyle and being able to do the fly.
“Coach is always telling us practice makes perfect,” she said. She did just that and has gotten better at it.
When she isn’t playing practicing for the Special Olympics sports, she is hanging out with friends and talking on the phone.
“My family played basketball and they encouraged me to try it because they knew I would like it,” she said. “I have been playing for three years now.”
Smith was having a great time at the 2010 Summer State Games. She was excited to say that they have been playing outside, doing arts and crafts, and was able to travel with this experience and get away for a few days.
She was excited to go back to the Olympic Village to hang out with the other athletes and go to the dance at the Utica Memorial Auditorium.
Submitted by Megan Fariello
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