2008 "Most Inspirational Athlete"

JOEY RALPH

Joey is a 22 year old athlete who lives in Casper.  He has competed in Special Olympics for 12 years in skiing, swimming and bowling.  Joey says he most likes Special Olympics “because it’s fun!” and “it helps me to swim better”.  Joey’s favorite sport is swimming, for which he won two Silver and two Bronze medals at this year’s Summer Games.  At Winter Games he won two Bronze and one Gold medal in alpine skiing.  He also enjoys bowling in the Fall.

According to Robert Peterson, one of Joey’s coaches, one thing that makes Joey so inspirational is that he shows up for swimming in great spirits and brings nonstop humor with him.  “Everyone looks forward to his jokes and he puts others in a good mood.”  Joey’s motto is “let’s try it” and he keeps trying and keeps getting better.  Another important thing Joey said he learned from his swimming coach is to follow rules, such as not swimming underwater or touching the bottom of the pool during races.

When not competing with Special Olympics, Joey enjoys making jewelry and drawing.  Joey also won an award for “Outstanding Employee of the Year” from the ABLE program in Casper. 

Congratulations Joey, you are an inspiration to us all!

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!