Athlete of the Month
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Athlete of the Month
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August 2008
Rebekah Doyle was born on 11/8/96 to Joseph & Mary Doyle.
Rebekah has a list of things that she enjoys to do. If it is dancing with her dance team the Sparklers or painting with her niece
Brooke she is always doing something fun & exciting. This summer she has been busy with Track & Field and Swimming where
she won a first place ribbon in her event. Rebekah had her last birthday party at the bowling alley and that was when she told
everyone she wanted to join a bowling team and that is just what she will be doing in the next few weeks.
Since being involved in the Special Olympics Rebekah & her family have been given the opportunity to be in some many
different and wonderful activies.
She has been in the Macy’s X-mas Parade at Universal, she has cheered for the Orlando Magic opening games, and has
traveled to many competitions with her dance team. We as a family have grown as we experience all these wonderful things that
Rebekah has given us the privilege in expericaning with her.
Before she was a quite & shy young lady, now she has blossomed into a bright flower that lights up any room she enters. It is not
uncommon for our family to go to an event and not have at least a handful of people stop to say hi to her before we even enter
the building. That to me is pretty AWESOME to be so loved and known by all.
We look forward to the many years that we will have the privilege in sharing with the Special Olympics families and continue to
grow as one big family.
July 2008
Trenten and I moved to Seminole county in June of 2005 to be closer to my Mom and family. We moved from Alabama where
they do not have many of the opportunities for Trenten to play sports as we do here in Florida. They only had track one day a
year during school and I used to drive him 45 miles to Birmingham during the Fall and Spring so that he could play baseball in
the challenger league. As you can imagine I was so excited when we moved here and I found out that Trenten could play sports
year around. Trenten enjoys playing sports, any sport, so much that we are doing something almost every weekend. He has run
track and basketball and soccer skills and swimming and the list goes on and on. He even went to state in swimming and soccer.
I am so proud of him. We have both gotten so much from this experience. I have also become more involved and I love it too. I
started getting more involved due to the fact that Trenten is a runner (and he is fast, those who know Trenten know exactly what
I mean. LOL). I now volunteer in many of the sports that he plays and I too have made many friends through the practices,
events and trips. Being involved with the Special Olympics, both the people who run it and the athletes and families we are
involved with has enhanced my life more that I could have ever imagined. I would like to say Thank You to all of you from both
Trenten and myself. I hope you know how much you are loved and appreciated. We have both learned so much from all of you.
Everyone is so special and I love helping as much as I can. I really enjoy the friendships that I have made and the excitement of
being around all the athletes and their families. Just the pure love and happiness from being around everyone makes you feel so
happy, lucky and blessed, all at the same time. Trenten is so happy, even if he doesn't win, it's O.K. because he had fun and got
the chance to do his best. I have learned so much from Trenten, especially patience but also not to worry so much about what
other people say or do. Just be who you are and smile even when others dont'. You may be suprised sometimes they will even
smile back just because you smiled first.
June 2008
James Caldwell will be 23 at the end of this month and has been involved with Special Olympics for about 10 years. He was
involved with Orange County Equestrian for many years...and won silver and bronze in Barrell Racing at the State Games! He is
currently involved in bowling and is looking forward to starting in powerlifting...and already is talking about lifting a more than his
Dad can! Besides participating in Special Olympics, James is an accomplished Boy Scout, and with only 3 levels to go to be an
Eagle Scout! and is looking forward to attending college in the fall! Oh, and ask why he does Special Olympics....he'll tell you.." I
love it"!
May 2008
LoPorto Family
Our family has been involved with Special Olympics for about 7 years. Our very own Special Olympiad, Jimmy, has played
several sports over the years. He is now playing golf, swimming and, his new favorite, power lifting. What a thrill it was to see
Jimmy earn a bronze medal at the power lifting state games in November 2007.
Coach “Daddy” Sal has been a swim coach from the start and last year started his golf coaching career. He helps out at power
lifting and also finds time to be involved with the management team. He loves to play games and is the annual picnic’s balloon
toss organizer. Go Coach Sal!
Our daughter, Maria, began her Special Olympic career by volunteering at swimming to earn community service hours. She had
so much fun that she has continued to volunteer and has added gymnastics to her coaching list. Maria is also a Radio Disney
kidcaster and has arranged radio broadcasts to inform the community about Special Olympics.
My involvement with Special Olympics has always been as the mother who makes sure that everyone gets where they need to be
at the right time. This past year I was very interested in the power lifting athletes and decided to join the management team
because I love helping such a dedicated group of individuals who have given so much to help all the wonderful, Special
Olympiads in Seminole county. Because I happen to be married to Coach Sal, I have become the administrative (in other words -
secretary) golf coach this season.
Special Olympics is a very big part of our lives and for good reason. They have given Jimmy the chance to go out and be the
best that he can be and have fun at the same time. The coaches, volunteers and athletes are such a big, happy family. We feel
blessed to be a part of this very special organization.
April 2008
Hi my name is Apryl Hankerson I'm 25 years old. This is my first year being apart of the 2008 Special Oylmpics Team. I enjoy
running track and playing basketball. I am a part of the Basketball Team for Special Oylmpics as well. In my spare time I enjoy
going to work at Swop with my friends and going to the park to shoot hoops with Sabrina and visiting my family.
March 2008
My Name is Tracy Barry, I am 24 years old and have Down Syndrome and Diabetes. I also am vision and hearing impaired. I am
involved in Bowling, Tennis and Cheerleading. I love Special Olympics as it has inspired me to do all that i can do. I give it my all
and it makes me smile when i see that other are proud of me too. Most of all I am very proud of myself for the accomplishment
that i have made. My family is very proud of me. My dad passed away 11 years ago. So it left it up to my mom and my sister to do
the hard work. They have worked with me so much and helped me get to where i am today.
I look forward to my practices all week. On Monday's I go Bowling, on Saturday's I have Tennis, and on Sunday's i have
cheerleading. When i am not with Special Olympics my sister take me to our tennis court and we practice together. So that i can
get better at Tennis. I love it when we go to competitions. Being involved in Special Olympics as inspired me to do things that I
love. Being involved in all these sports and activities has helped me in my battle of losing weight.
Thanks to all my Family, Coaches, Volunteers, Friends who have supported me. You all play a big role in My Life.
February 2008
Entering her 5th season of participation as a member of Seminole County’s Equestrian Team, C.H.E.E.R., Maggie is more
enthusiastic than ever. She has grown steadily in both responsibility and equestrian skills under the compassionate supervision
of Coach Elise Hulme. Maggie values the friendship of her teammates and always looks forward to interacting with the C.H.E.E.
R. volunteers, whether at practice or at the competitions. Music is a huge part of Maggie’s life. She shares her vocal gift with
anyone who will listen, including the horses. The Special Olympics experience has been very motivational for Maggie. The
prospect of receiving ribbons, medals and trophies initially compelled her, but gradually she has grown to appreciate her
progress in riding fundamentals. She has begun to respond to her coach’s direction, and relate her actions as effective better
communication with the horse.
Last spring she qualified to participate in the 2007 State Equestrian Games in Tampa. She was honored with the opportunity to
recite the athlete oath at the opening ceremonies, which aptly sums up what has come to be her own view of participation. “Let
me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt”.
January 2008
The Badders Family (along with the Lundy's!) has been involved with Special Olympics Seminole County one way or another for
about 20 years. Bonnie and Mike moved to Lake Mary from Jacksonville and immediately began participating as a volunteer and
athlete. Mike has played almost all the sports available, including golf, basketball, powerlifting, softball, bocce, athletics,
volleyball, and snow skiing! He loves the practices and the competitions...and the socializing, of course! He has just been elected
president of the Athlete Input Council and is excited about the upcoming meetings and activities. Dani Lundy, Mike's sister,
moved to Altamonte Springs from Jacksonville and volunteered to join the Management Team and be a bocce coach. She had
never heard of bocce but joined in with the athletes' enthusiasm and has become passionate about "her" bocce bunch. Dani's
younger son, Jay, is a volunteer and helped out with the practices. Dani's older son, Joe Badders, moved to Seminole County in
2006 and soon volunteered to participate as a Unified Partner in volleyball and as a basketball coach. Joe is starting another
year of involvement and is very popular with the athletes. Special Olympics has always been a big part of the Badders/Lundy
family...the newest volunteer is nine-year-old Amanda! She has helped out with powerlifting and is looking forward to doing more.
"Mike is the center and focus of our lives...he knows how to have fun and has taught us to be thankful for our blessings, and one
of them is Special Olympics." - Dani Lundy
December 2007
Tammy Schlier is a 19 year old Special Olympian who attends Winter Springs High School. She enjoys a wide variety of actitities
including arts and crafts, jigsaw purzzles (preferably 1,000 piece puzzles), beads and word search puzzles. Tammy also loves to
dance and participate in sports. She is active in horse back riding, swimming, cheer leading, gymnastics, belly dancing,
basketball, baseball, and bowling .
Special Olympics has provided many opportunities for Tammy to learn a wide variety of sports and participate in competitions.
For instance within the last year, she has been able to try out some new sports including power lifting, tennis and basket ball.
She thoroughly enjoys them all. Tammy began her journey with Special Olympics when she was in grade school. Her first sport
was gymnastics followed by horse back riding and swimming. She now participates in a variety of sports. She loves to compete
and recently won one gold and two silver medals for her gymnastic performance at the State Games at Disney this year.
The Special Olympics program has provide Tammy with much more than fun activities. The sports have helped improve her
coordination,ability to follow directions and social skills.Over the years, Tammy’s autisim has made it difficult for her to
participate in activities and make friends. Special Olympics has helped Tammy to improve her socialization skills. For instance
according to her teacher, last year Tammy would not tolerate anyone sitting next to her at lunch. That has changed this year and
she does not mind if other students sit next to her. I am sure that her activies with Special Olympics and the Altamonte Springs
Special Needs program played an important role in that transformation.
The Schlier family would like to take this opportunity to say “thank you” to all Tammy’s coaches and the volunteers. You have
been a postive influence in her life and the lives of all involved with the Seminole County Special Olympics program. We
sincerely appreciate your dedication and and caring attitude.
November 2007
"My name is julie jones. I was born with learning disiabily do to having no oxyen. i plyed basket ball in middle school i went to lake
may high. my mom push me in school. i play softball for the special olmpics. i have been playing for 10 years. i join the special
olmpics so i can meet differient people i have fun when i am playing sports. my dad died when i was young so my mom took care
of me. she had to do it all. i work for the volusia county schools. i been there for 5 years. i live on my own and i am getting
married June 2008 to my high school sweet heart. thanks julie jones"
October 2007
Mitchell Omana
Mitch was diagnosed with Developmental Delay and possible Autism at the age of 22 months. We were told that Mitch would
probably not develop Physically and Mentally like those of his peers. Mitch has defied those words. We believe that early
intervention is the key to his success. Mitch started at UCP of Central Florida on his 2nd Birthday and has excelled in everything
he does since.
Mitch joined the Seminole County Special Olympics Swim Team last year and won 1st and 2nd place in both the County and
Area Games. This year, he made it all the way to the State Games where he won 2 Silver Metals. Mitch loves swimming for
Special Olympics and will be joining the Basketball team as well as the Track and Field team. He has made friends with several of
the Athletes. Mitch's confidence has soared since becoming an Athlete with Special Olympics.
Mitch is in 2nd grade and is in regular classes. He enjoys Math and History.
In his spare time he reads the Captain Underpants collection, plays Nintendo WII and studies Airplanes and Presidential History.
Mitch is famous for his amusing sayings (usually about his father) and keeps the Coaches in stitches. As Mitch puts it Special
Olympics is "Awesome truly awesome"!
September 2007
Dustin Paramore- Golf, Swimming, Basketball, Powerlifting
Dustin is a young man who is quiet, somewhat shy but happy most of the time. Dustin is considered someone who is very easy
going. His calm temperament is one of his strengths. He enjoys being active in the community. He has been a participant in
Challenger Baseball and Football. He enjoys horse backing riding, bowling, singing and table games. This is his first year with
SO and he has attempted volleyball, basketball, swimming, power lifting and golf. He seems to enjoy them all. His biggest
challenge thus far has been his first swim meet, everything seemed to be “super sized”, the pool, the distance, the depth, and
the calm with which everyone moved forward. What an experience!!! Dustin was a bit reluctant to take on the challenge but with
the cheering and support of all the athletes, his peers and Coaches Doreen and Kevin, he finished the task. Dustin’s family just
wants him to remember that with SO and all journeys “never focus on the outcome but the journey and sense of
accomplishment”. His family hopes the bar will never be so low he meets it but so high that he continues to try. The sincerity that
is shown by every volunteer, coach and parent that share in the growth experience of these athletes is amazing. He wants to
thank everyone who has given just little part of themselves to help move him forward on path of growth and accomplishment.
August 2007
Joe B. Nasehi- Equestrain and Swimming
Joe began his participation in SOSC while attending FSDB in St.Augustine with Coach Elyse Hulme's Equestrian Team, and has
garnered many ribbons & medals including Gold at State. Elyse & Larry Levine have been great encourager's and now Kevin &
the other swimmers are broadening his interests - thank you all so much. He also enjoys his fellow performers in the Angels
productions where he is a drummer. During the day he works at Quest, and shares a Supported Living apartment with
roommate Darryl. Despite being totally blind, he has actually driven an 18wheeler -ask him how that happened.
July 2007
James Jamrok – Basketball, Volleyball and Swimming
James has participated in Special Olympics since 1985. He enjoys most all sports especially Basketball, Volleyball, and
Swimming. James has gone to the State Games on several occasions wining 8 gold medals in Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball, and
Softball. Also, James has won 6 silver medals in Soccer, Volleyball, and Swimming. James loves to be competitive in all sports.
James has had the privilege of carrying the torch on December 7, 2001 representing Special Olympics in Daytona Beach, FL.
James loves Special Olympics and working for Albertson’s. Both have given him numerous opportunities and skills. We thank so
many people from early years to the present for their patience, support, time, and dedication
June 2007
Julie and Becky have been participating in Special Olympics since they were in elementary school! Throughout the years they
have participated in a number of sports including horseback riding, track and field, gymnastics, bowling, basketball, and
swimming. Many people think they are twins, but they are actually 18 months apart in age! They enjoy the camaraderie of
meeting their friends at practices and traveling to different cities for regional and state games. Julie and Becky also love the
many activities that are sponsored by the City of Altamonte Springs Recreation. The monthly dances, STOP program, and
Monday bowling league are truly the highlights of their month! We know that there are many, many hours of behind-the-scenes
hard work to make all these events such a success and we truly appreciate it. We would like to take this opportunity to thank
each and every coach who has devoted many hours in training and mentoring to my daughters and all their peers. Coach
Kevin, thank you for your kindness and patience. Nin, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything you do. -Love,
Julie and Becky Wenzel and Mom, Nancy
May 2007
George Gibson – Tennis, Volleyball, Basketball and Golf
George has been going to Special Olympics since 1990. He loves all kinds of sports including tennis, golf and volleyball. When
they started up basketball as a sport he wanted to play. Debbie Taylor was coach then. She did a good job as we all know, as
there were only a few coaches then. George needs Special Olympics very much! Last summer, he had the opportunity to play
golf at the National Games. George really enjoyed taking the plane ride too! As well, he loves to square dance and enjoys
participating in the many activities offered through Altamonte Springs. George and I would like to thank all the coaches for their
time out of their own lives and for being so good to George over the years – God Bless You All! -George Gibson and
his Mother
April 2007
Emily Funaro - Equestrian
Emily achieved one of her goals when she turned the big 18 on March 28th. You see Emily has two older sisters who she looks
up to with great pride. Although she is the little sister they look up to her as well. Her successes and achievements are theirs.
Emily began participating with Special Olympics when we moved here from Connecticut ten years ago. It has continued to be a
very important part of her life. First came swimming. We’ll never forget her 1st event when she insisted on swimming the
complete lap instead of exiting the pool at one end. She was”looking for the stairs”. More recently Special Olympics
Cheerleading has fulfilled her love of dance and performance. She loves music of all kinds and is a natural ham. We are very
thankful to Nin for her tremendous job initiating this dynamic program and we hope it’s here to stay! The Equestrian program has
allowed Emily to express her love for animals. Coach Elise has been very instrumental in helping Emily to work harder and do
her best. This past weekend some of that hard work paid off when Emily won her first blue ribbon at an Equestrian event at the
Silver Spurs Arena. Throughout her experiences with Special Olympics all of her coaches and assistants have been incredible.
We’ve never met such warm, caring and devoted individuals. A big thank you to all who choose to become involved. The Special
Olympics program has allowed Emily to thrive and blossom into the beautiful young woman she has become. We can’t imagine
her life without it or the lifelong friends she has made along the way.
March 2007
Mike Scrimenti
Michael started his sports life when he was 7 playing soccer with the Lincroft, NJ soccer teams, then he played basketball and
started swimming in competition with the local YMCA team. He started swimming with Special Olympics when he was a teenager
and was a gold-medalist at state level in NJ. He also enjoyed bowling and track and field in NJ. When we moved here 10 years
ago, he started playing volleyball, then track and field and basketball. He was on the softball team for many years and they won
a state title a few years ago. Last year he got back into swimming and did very well. Sports are very important to Michael. He
enjoys watching sports on TV and chatting about almost any sport. He reads the sports page in the paper.
Michael loves Special Olympics and the friends that he has made. He truly loves the coaches that give their precious time to
work with these athletes. His family is very grateful to the Special Olympics programs and all the coaches and the behind the
scenes people that make it happen. We are very proud of Michael and all the athletes.
February 2007
Brett Jones considers himself to be a rapper and a star. Others have referred to him as a storyteller, an event coordinator, and
the PR person for Walt Disney World. If possible, Brett would be at Walt Disney World every day. He has to be reminded that
his dad only works there and does not own the company.
He is very active, sociable, talkative, and enjoys being the center of attention. With these characteristics, he does well with the
various activities offered by Special Olympics. He has participated in basketball, golf, swimming, volleyball, powerlifting, bowling,
and much to his dad’s dismay, cheerleading and bellydancing.
Brett is also involved in the Angels Among Us program offered at St. Mary Magdalen Church. Aside from the physical aspects of
Special Olympics, Brett is learning to build and grow relationships, and the importance of teamwork. We are thankful for each
coach, volunteer, parent, and athlete that give of their time, and have shown kindness, patience and proper guidance. God
Bless You All!
January 2007
My name is Eden Fulmer. I don’t know anyone else named Eden. Like my name I’m “one of a kind.” I like my name, but most
of all I like being me. I love people. I have more friends than I can count.
Special Olympics gives me the opportunity to be with friends. When I walk into a practice or event, I feel like glowing. I see
friends, volunteers, and coaches. They smile and high-five me. I can’t wait to hug and high-five them back. There’s nothing as
wonderful as friends. People ask me if I have ever met a stranger. In my life, there are no strangers, just friendships waiting to
happen.
Currently, I am a Sparkler cheerleader. I dream about being Cinderella and a cheerleader. Being a Sparkler cheerleader is a
dream-come-true. My favorite videos are about cheerleaders, cheerleading competition, and Cinderella. We won a gigantic
trophy in the CheerSport competition in Jacksonville. “Sparkler” is a great name for our squad because that’s just what we do.
We sparkle. Just look at the audience, they’re grinning so much they cry.
For me Special Olympics is about friends and the team spirit more than it is about competition or sports. I love being a team
member. I’m on the swim team. The exercise is great. Like lots of other people, I battle with my weight. Special Olympics is fun
and helps keep me in shape at the same time. My birthday is in June. My friends from the Special Olympics swim team came to
my 21st birthday pool party. Even the coaches and volunteers came to my party. Coaches and volunteers are really special.
In addition to Special Olympics, I like going to theme parks, especially Disney. Did I tell you I like Cinderella? My favorite gift is an
annual pass to Disney or Sea World. I started going to theme parks independently when I was 12 years old. At first, my mom
would bring a book, find a shady spot to sit and read. I would see my favorite shows and ride my favorite rides over and over
again. Then I would find her when I was hungry or tired. Later my mom or dad would drop me off and pick me up from the theme
parks. It wasn’t long before I could ride Lynx bus to the theme parks by myself. My career goal is to work at Disney as a cast
member. Maybe I can be Cinderella. If not at Disney, then I’d like to work at Sea World.
I graduated from Morning Star School in 2004. I am a student at Winnie Palmer Hospital as part of an Orange County Public
School Transition Program. I am learning to restock and re-supply the food service area where hospital staff and visitors eat. I
volunteered more than 200 hours at the hospital during the summer riding Lynx bus to my volunteer job. On Lynx buses, I can
transfers and go anywhere I want to go in Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties.
November 2006
Pamela Lorraine Scribner AKA “Pammy” was born on 4/20/88. As with many of our kids, Pammy was quite a surprise. Pam
started Special Olympics at 10 years old, and soon mastered soccer skills. As Pam grew she was ready for basketball! Bouncing
was not bad, but dribbling was tough. As a parent and concerned coach I felt the best training method was to smile and laugh.
Pamela has completed in soccer, basketball, swimming, and cheerleading. All of this activity, all of these early Saturday
mornings are possible, due to the tireless efforts of coaches, volunteers and generous facilities for Seminole County Special
Olympics. My thanks and praise go to each person involved who gives of their time, and talent. These individuals that spend
much time planning, attending trainings and meetings even before they your athlete on the court, or track or pool. They all
deserve our admiration, and thanks. Pamela has made friends that extend beyond the Saturday morning practices. She has
used the skill, and strength, and coordination many times outside of the Sports arena. It is exciting to watch Pamela reach
beyond what she thinks is her limit, to take the chance, fail or succeed. Pamela has decided to continue Special Olympics until
she can decorate all of her walls with ribbons and medals, and Doreen and I will be there for all the attempts!
October 2006
Mitchell met most of his developmental milestones until about age 17 months and then things began to change. He started
banging his head, he was more sensitive to loud noises and crowds, he stopped saying the few words he could say and most
significant he would make this bone chilling primal noise. At the age of 22 months my husband and I were concerned about the
changes in Mitch and his lack of verbal communication so we had him tested for speech therapy. Much to our surprise Mitch was
diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Delay and possible Autism.
Mitchell met most of his developmental milestones until about age 17 months and then things began to change. He started
banging his head, he was more sensitive to loud noises and crowds, he stopped saying the few words he could say and most
significant he would make this bone chilling primal noise. At the age of 22 months my husband and I were concerned about the
changes in Mitch and his lack of verbal communication so we had him tested for speech therapy. Much to our surprise Mitch was
diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Delay and possible Autism.
We were told that it was unlikely that Mitch would be able to participate in sports and his academic future was questionable. We
knew that our child would make a mark in this world regardless of the professional prognosis. We were determined that he would
overcome this obstacle. I took a leave of absence from my job to seek out services for Mitch. On Mitch’s 2nd Birthday he started
the inclusion program at UCP Child Development Center in Seminole County. UCP was a god send to us, John and I are firm
believers in early intervention. His day consisted of receiving Speech, Occupational and Physical Therapy along with academics.
Mitch made great strides with the help of the exceptional team at UCP. Mitch graduated from UCP at age 5 and went on to be
included in a typical Kindergarten class. Mitch struggled through the year in a typical classroom setting. During that year it
became more evident that Mitch needed more than Speech and Occupational Therapy. After much frustration we discovered
The UCF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD). Dr. Terri Daley understood our frustration and walked us through
the whole process for children with Autism. Without CARD I don’t know where Mitch would be at today. He had a good foundation
from UCP but the next links were missing. CARD helped us find the missing links. In April 2005 Mitch was diagnosed with Autism
Spectrum Disorder. Mitch then qualified for Autistic services through the school board. In August 2005, Mitch started classes at
Lake Mary Elementary in the Autistic program. Mrs. Deborah Aman and her assistants Debbie and Esci worked magic on our
child. He was above grade level or on grade level in all of his school work. In March of last year he was placed in a typical
classroom and continues to excel in school. He is still on or above grade level in all subjects.
In April 2006, we met Kevin Lajeunesse from Seminole County Special Olympics at the Kids Day at the Seminole YMCA, and he
persuaded us to have Mitch join the swim team. Mitch had always loved the water but was afraid of large commercial pools
therefore we decided to build a pool at our home. In March, Mitch began to learn how to swim. In April he was swimming and in
May he started practicing with the Special Olympics Swim Team. In July he won 1st and 2nd place for the 4 man relay and the 25
meter freestyle races respectively at the Seminole Swim Meet. In September he won 1st place at the Area Games for the 25
meter freestyle race. Special Olympics has given Mitch a new found self confidence that is found in most athletes.
He continues to thrive in both academics and swimming. He is looking forward to swimming next spring with Special Olympics and
possibly joining the Sparklers in the interim. Mitch has also been helping to teach his little sister how to swim so they can practice
together. Today he was working with her on her back stroke and butterfly. Mitchell’s determination and spirit have definitely been
an inspiration to our family. Words cannot describe how proud we are of him. -Juan and Michelle Omana
September 2006
Hello! I’m Meggan and with some help from my Mom, I’m pleased to tell you about myself and how Special Olympics has made a
difference in my life. I’m a third generation native Floridian, born right here in Orlando in 1980. I attended school at Central
Florida Christian Academy, but school wasn’t easy for me. I was shy, with no friends, but I always tried to have a sunny smile,
work very hard and give 110% to everything I did. At graduation ceremonies I received a Special Achievement Award and the
teachers gave each senior a special word dedicated to their character. My word was Perseverance!
I’ve enjoyed volunteering with many good programs. On weekends at Horses for the Handicapped in Lake County, I would walk
beside a horse holding someone in the saddle so they could experience horseback riding. I’ve served Thanksgiving Dinner at
the Salvation Army and helped feed the homeless on Saturdays at a local church. Because I love animals, I’ve helped find
homes for abandoned kittens and puppies at adoption events for the South Lake Animal League. I have a “herd” of cats myself,
and it’s my job to keep them fed, watered and playful! I’ve also helped out at Canine Companions for Independence.
My start in Special Olympics was inspired by Sir Timothy, the Knight from Medieval Times who performed at the U.C.F. games
each Saturday. I wanted to ride like him, so I joined the Equestrian Program. I rode Western style at first because it was easier,
then I rode English. Although I was always nervous in competition, I got some ribbons, then silver and gold at State...but I still had
trouble relaxing and enjoying myself. I was not going to compete again. Then we heard about the swimming program in Seminole
County. I met Larry Levine and his “family” of great people. They welcomed me in and I participated, but was still very shy. Even
though my name was drawn to go to State that first year, I remembered the nerves and tension of the past and did not have
enough confidence to compete. Although nobody could talk me into it, no one got upset. They just accepted me and continued
to encourage me. Eventually I began to feel more comfortable and participated in more events. I made lots of friends and my
confidence grew. I was finally able to compete again! I have participated in Aquatics, Power Lifting, and Bowling Then there is my
new love…Gymnastics. And my biggest dream has come true…I am a competition Cheerleader! I wish the kids from my school
could see me now. All the wonderful coaches, volunteers and families involved me in the many other activities of the Altamonte
Special Population I love all of it, including the fun field trips, square dancing, Troupe Moumayaza and those crazy costumed
Nightbird dances. I’ve made so many friends through Special Olympics. My lonely days are over! I’m also involved in “Angels
Among Us”, a unique and very talented group of special theater performers who raise money for local charities. Working with the
Angels and Cheerleading has really boosted my self esteem. I’m no longer nervous performing in front of people and now I
actually enjoy it !
In Special Olympics it’s not being first that’s so important. When a really great swimmer beat me last year at State, my Mom took
a picture of me leaning up from my 2nd place step giving her a big hug. Then we grabbed the third place winner and hugged
her, too. We all had gigantic smiles! That’s what Special Olympics is all about.
What is Special Olympics to me? Well…training, practice, dedication, good exercise, hard work and Perseverance! Yeah…but
the BEST part is feeling good about yourself and the fun, friendship, laughter, love, hugs and smiles that come from being with
people you like and who like you right back! -Love, Meggan
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