Analyssa often kept to herself, but since being involved with Special Olympics Young Athletes, she has blossomed with her social skills. She makes eye contact with peers as she attempts to interact with them. She is non-verbal but still finds ways to communicate with everyone, whether it be sign language, an attempt of being verbal, or using her communication device. Her smile is contagious, and she loves when her peers cheer her on. Young Athletes has been the total package for her physically, emotionally, and mentally. She has grown so much as an individual despite all the medical challenges she has faced and somehow always manages to light up the room with her smile.

My name is Jacob Sare, I am 29 years old. I was 9 years old when I joined Special Olympics on a skilled basketball team. Since then I have competed in Bowling, Basketball, Soccer, Athletics, Equestrian, Bocce. I am an Athlete Leader, Global Messenger  most recently became a Health Messenger and I participate in events outside of competing that include: giving speeches, Healthy Habits, training other athletes, fund raising, and lead an Athlete Input Council. My greatest achievement to date is being elected Chair Person for the State Athlete Input Council. The best experience I have ever had is the opportunity to participate in sports and make friends.

 Maryann has been an athlete for over 46 years. She has played 10 sports and officiated Softball and Volleyball, competed at 5 World games and 4 USA games. Maryann led Special Olympics in Sumter County for 5 years, has coached 5 different sports including Unified sports and served on the management team for Sumter and Lake Counties. Maryann is currently employed by Special Olympics Florida in the sports department. In her new role, she assists with hundreds of sporting events and making community presentations. She is also a vibrant advocate for Special Olympics Florida’s health programs of which she has been the beneficiary of prescription glasses, prescription sports goggles and most recently hearing aids which has improved her performance in college.

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