CHELSEA - NATIONAL GYMNASTICS CHAMPION !!!

Chelsea and our family have been members of the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area for 20 years now.  When Chelsea was born we started attending a  support group that was just what we needed at the time.  From there, Chelsea started with a baby group and ultimately Step Classes.  We have been able to depend on the Down Syndrome Connection whenever we needed advice or support.  The Connection always comes through.

Chelsea wants to give back but needs your help!  Chelsea has been representing the "Down syndrome" community in a big way for 10 years now. Chelsea is 20 years old and has been doing gymnastics for 10 years. She started with Special Olympics and subsequently added USA Gymnastics.  Unfortunately, Northern California Special Olympics dropped it gymnastics program several years ago. So Chelsea has competed locally for USA Gymnastics and travelled nationally and internationally in order to compete for Special Olympics.

Last year was the first Special Olympics National Gymnastics Competition. It was held in Atlanta, GA. Chelsea took first place in the highest level. She just returned from Atlanta and successfully defended her title in an even more impressive fashion!

Chelsea also traveled to London, England in September 2011 for an International Competition that was for Gymnasts with Down syndrome from all over the world. Once again Chelsea competed at the highest level against gymnasts from all over the world. She won every event!  Since the response was so positive they decided to make it a "World Championship" this September 2012.  While in Atlanta, she was also invited to participate in "World Gym For Life Challenge" in South Africa in the summer of 2013.

Since Special Olympics has dropped the gymnastics program in Northern California, Chelsea and her coach, Dawn Pombo, are not eligible for any reimbursements for travel, training etc. Chelsea's coach is required to be with her at any event she competes in. Many opportunities are becoming available for Chelsea to share her talent and love for gymnastics! Chelsea has worked very hard for 10 years and has traveled a very challenging road. Chelsea is a truly dedicated year round athlete - she practices an average of 12 hours per week! 

We would love to give Chelsea the chance to continue to "inspire" others! 
 

We are trying to raise funds so that Chelsea will be able to continue on this journey to show the world that "Athletes with Down syndrome" are capable of extreme achievements if expectations are high and a rewarding environment is nourished!  
 

 

The Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area has graciously volunteered to sponsor "Chelsea's Quest".

We appreciate any donation and Chelsea will do her best to represent  the Down Syndrome Connection and the United States!

Thank You Very Much,                                                                                                                                                             

Ray, Lisa and Chelsea Werner