What team do you participate on?
I have been part of the South County Stingrays since 2022.
What sports do you compete in?
I compete in bowling. I have been bowling since I joined a youth bowling league over 10 years ago, so I appreciate the chance that Special Olympics gives me to compete in this sport. In the past I had also participated in Unified basketball and Unified volleyball through the Special Olympics Schools program. I also recently had an opportunity through Special Olympics to learn to play pickleball, and I hope to be able to play it more in the future.
Where did you go to school?
I graduated from South Kingstown High School in 2022. I am currently attending the South Kingstown Transition Academy.
Do you have a job? If so, tell us about it.
I work at Lakeside Nursing and Rehabilitation Center as a dietary aide. I refill the snack tray, ice cooler, and refrigerator. I load the dinner in a truck to be served to the residents, do dishes, and occasionally make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I also assist nurses and residents when they need something from the kitchen and answer the kitchen phone. My favorite part of the job is the fact that I have a lot of good coworkers. They make the job enjoyable.
Why did you choose to participate in the Athlete Leadership University (ALU)?
I chose it so I can improve my leadership skills and have a college experience.
What have you accomplished through your involvement with ALU?
Through ALU, I have become a lot more involved in Special Olympics. I have met a lot of people and made a lot of new friends. I have had some volunteer opportunities such as Truck Day at URI and the ALU Open House. I look forward to participating in many more volunteer opportunities as they arise.
What do you enjoy doing for fun?
I enjoy spending time with my friends, especially bowling and playing games. I also like going on vacation. My favorite vacation destinations are amusement parks. I’m a bit of a coaster enthusiast.
Is there anything else about yourself that you would like to share?
Special Olympics has helped me to grow as a person and to realize that there are other people like me who have my type of experience. I have made many friends and have had the opportunity to participate in different activities that would not have been possible without Special Olympics.