We are so excited to hear OWNTV and Oprah Winfrey will be sitting down with Tim Shriver to discuss his new book, #FullyAlive on, Sunday November 23rd at 10:00 a.m. CST! In his new book “Fully Alive: Discovering What Matters Most” Timothy Shriver, Chairman of Special Olympics Inc., takes us on a mesmerizing journey of self-discovery lead by Special Olympics athletes. Hope you join me and watch!
Check out this sneak peek of the show here.
Valentina Guerrero is a smiling blond, two-year-old who likes to wear frilly pink skirts. She’s also the first girl with Down syndrome to have her own line of clothing. Read the full story
Special Olympics Louisiana athlete, Sean Adams recently published a book titled, “I am Happy to Be Me”. In the book Sean talks about what life is like, growing up with Down Syndrome. He hopes that his book will show the world that people with intellectual disabilities can accomplish anything they set their mind to! Sean is a wealth of knowledge, strong Christian, great public speaker and wonderful member of the Special Olympics Louisiana family!
To check out Sean’s book, buy a copy or download it digitally, check out Tate Publishing’s Website.
We came across this video today and couldn’t wait to share with you! An expectant mother wrote an e-mail asking what her life would be like once she had her future son, who will have Down Syndrome. In response, the inspiring video you see below was created. We encourage you to watch the video and then share your thoughts in the comments section.
We came across an article titled, “Down Syndrome: A Year of Grief and Joy”. The title at first stood out, grief and down syndrome are two words that do not go together in our book. As the article continued on, it become clear that the feelings this mother was going through are similar to those that many of our families originally feel or have felt. There is so much unknown and so much the general public is typically not aware of. Genevieve Shaw Brown takes the reader on an emotional journey over the past year. Emotions that many of our followers and family members can relate to…
“… he will know that there was a time I was very scared to be his mom. For that I will always be sorry. But he’ll also know that even though I was scared, my love for him was stronger than the fear. And that he has brought me nothing but pride and joy.”
Read the full article here
Kevin Grow of Pennsylvania Became a Philadelphia 76er & a Globetrotter!!!
Kevin Grow is a senior at Bensalem High School in Pennsylvania. He recently wowed the hometown crowd at a basketball game when his coach called his number and he knocked down four three-pointers. (Watch the video) The Philadelphia 76ers were so impressed, they signed Kevin to a two-day ceremonial contract. Kevin joined the team for practice and when they took on the Cavaliers back in February. (View the Pictures)
Kevin became such a media and social media sensation, that the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters invited Kevin to be their 3-point specialist during their game in Philadelphia this past weekend, making him the first player to join both the Philadelphia 76ers and Globetrotters since Wilt Chamberlain! (See what happened)
The 76ers will sign athlete Kevin Grow to a 2-day contract that features some great incentives. “Grow will eat dinner in the players lounge, tour the practice facility and receive Sixers gear. He will also join the team on the floor toward the end of practice, meet and shoot around with his new teammates, and be greeted by his coaches.”
Check out the video of Kevin scoring below and read the article here.
We recently came across an article that talks about 26 year old Ethan Saylor. This heart-breaking story can be read in full here. This article, beautifully written by Jeremy Meyer of the Denver Post, focus’ on the training of general public with people that have disabilities.
Once you read the article, leave us a comment with your thoughts and how you may have handled the situation.
Jimmy Jenson, from Los Angeles completed the 26.2 mile marathon this past weekend in New York City. He is the first person with down syndrome to finish this marathon! Jenson ran the marathon with his Best Buddy, Jennifer. “When they met, neither of them were runners. But that changed when Jenson suggested they run a 5K together. Since that first race, the pair have run a number of races together, including the Los Angeles marathon this spring.” (Today Show).
Check out the full article here!
Verrado High School in Arizona was named a finalist in Katy Perry’s Roar contest! This contest was supposed to show real school spirit, allowing for students to come together to have their voices heard and to roar. Their video was inspired by Megan Squire, a senior with Down Syndrome who followed her dream of becoming a Cheerleader. Clayton Mueller, a classmate of Megan’s, decided to share her story with the world. The video showed her journey to achieving her dream and expressed the power of inclusion. Katy Perry was so inspired by her story that even though Verrado High School was not the contest winner, she offered Megan a special prize of her own. Katy invited Megan and her friends to accompany her at an event where she will be singing and said she wants to hear Megan’s roar in person!
