Special Olympics Wyoming

As we celebrate 30 years of Winter Games competition, this is a great time to
introduce a special recognition awarded to an individual who exemplifies the
"Winning Spirit" that Winter competition continues to inspire
in Special Olympics athletes.

Sydney Roberts ~ “The Spirit of Winter Games”

Last fall, Sydney, underwent a major surgery to help her seizure disorder and ended up staying in the hospital for two months with many complications. At the time she was unable to swallow and had to have a feeding tube for nourishment; her vision was impaired, she could not sit up by herself and could barely hold her head up. She wasn’t laughing, enjoying her Koosh balls or signing “GO” like she did before. She was a very sick girl, requiring round the clock care and therapy.

Acknowledging that there wasn’t anything else they could do, doctors sent Sydney home. With the love and support of her family and support team Sydney began a dramatic recovery process. Within a month she could have a pureed McDonald’s hamburger and French fries (her favorite meal). Within two months Sydney was sitting up tall, looking around and enjoying being home bopping with her beloved Koosh balls. She tolerated therapies well and went back to school full time after Christmas.

Then she started training for winter games. She was sooo excited to get back in the sit ski and go fast. It was then that everyone realized just how far Sydney had come and it was all because she had a fighting spirit. This is why we honor Sydney and her family with this award.

Way to go LuLu!