Hi!

My name is Dawn! I first became involved with Special Olympics in 1997 when I lived in Michigan at the time. I will be attending the Special Olympics USA National Games 2010 being held in Lincoln, Nebraska. I attended the first National Games in 2006 which were held in Iowa. I will be competing in race walking. There will be a total of 3500 athletes attending also.

When I competed in 2006, I competed in the 100 meter dash, shot put, and running long jump. I received the gold medal in the shot put, silver medal in the 100 meter dash, and a bronze medal in the running long jump. I had a really great time! I enjoyed meeting so many different people from all across the United States. My favorite moment was when I made a cell phone call to my Mother when I was crossing the Mississippi River, so she had a chance to cross the Mississippi River with me.

There will be 40 athletes from across my state are going, too! Several of my friends were selected in the drawing including my roommate from 2006, too! Also, one of my friends who plays soccer for another county is a member of the team. I am so excited about going to Nebraska next year!

I love participating with Special Olympics because I love challenging myself to be the best person I can be. It is fun practicing and also competing in my sport.

Thank you for your help in making my dream come true again!

Dawn