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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!
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. Way to go LuLu! |
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