Don’t forget about SOLA when you’re shopping on Amazon! Amazon Smile a great way to both. You can get your shopping done and support Special Olympics Louisiana in just a few clicks! As you start your online shopping, we invite you to shop on Amazon by using this URL: https://smile.amazon.com/. As you go through the process, be sure to select Special Olympics Louisiana as your charity of choice!
Story by: Cayla’s father, Derek Lane
Cayla Lane entered life as a micro preemie, at one pound thirteen ounces. She was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and she underwent nineteen brain surgeries. The doctors were very doubtful that she would be able talk, walk, or even run.
She proved them wrong! Cayla is now a senior in high school taking all regular education classes and enjoys working with physical fitness themed classes.
By the time Cayla was nine, she had to have surgery to remove her tibia, and she bounced back. Cayla loves to sing, despite having vocal damage as a child, she bounced back from that again too. Cayla even proved this, as well as her love for her favorite artist, Justin Bieber, as she took the stage on karaoke night while on her cruise.
Although Cayla has had many hurdles to overcome, she has been competing with Special Olympics Louisiana for over six years in power lifting, bocce, track and field, bowling, and swimming. She always brings a smile to every competition. When Cayla initially began swimming she could not even pull her arm out of the water, but now she does the backstroke and has been greatly improving.
Upon graduation from high school, Cayla plans to attend a college in Bossier, LA and will be possibly majoring in General Studies.
Join us for Opening Ceremonies of the 2017 State Fall Classic as a Fan in the Stands.
Opening Ceremonies will be held Friday, October 20th at 6:30pm at Pelican Park in Carencro, LA. We want you to be a FAN in the Stands! Come out and cheer on our athletes! On Saturday and Sunday, the fun continues as we start competition. Our athletes have trained very hard for this event and are ready to do their best. All they need is you to make it special!
One tall building, one grand reason!
NOLA Over the Edge is a one of Special Olympics Louisiana’s largest fundraisers. Join us December 1st, 2017 for the opportunity of a lifetime. Rappel 25 stories down Benson Tower in New Orleans, take a helicopter ride across the city, and SWAT train with Louisiana’s finest at Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.
You will not only get an amazing experience but you will also help thousands of Special Olympics Louisiana athletes. Athletes who have gained self-confidence, athletic ability, friendships and empowerment through Special Olympics programs.
For more information and to register click here.
“Believe in yourself, and the rest will fall into place. Have faith in your own abilities, work hard and there is nothing you cannot accomplish.” – Brad Henry
Special Olympics gives all athletes with intellectual disabilities a platform to work hard and participate in every aspect of sport.
Join us at the 2018 Polar Plunges! Get a thrill from the chill and join us in Gonzales (February 17, 2018), Mandeville (TBD), or Shreveport (February 24, 2018)! You won’t want to miss this!
Give back to your community and participate in a life changing program!
Can you lend a helping hand for our upcoming state competition?
Special Olympics Louisiana needs volunteers for the upcoming 2017 State Fall Classic being held October 20-22, 2017. Events will be held in Carencro and Lafayette, LA. For more details and online sign up click here.
Back again for another, MEDAL MONDAY! You know the drill… share your favorite Medal Monday pictures with us in the comments below. Don’t forget to use #MedalMonday in your comment! 
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