We are pleased to announce that we will be sending Unified Sports teammates from Shelton High School to participate in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando, Florida, June 5th - 12th. Matt Darak, Sophia Fabian, Ciara Foley, Josiah Kellogg, Jay Loh, Kelly Stanley, Tyler Smith and Danielle Turcotte will be competing in track & field at the event.
Matt says “I look forward to meeting new people and having fun with everyone (at the Games)." Along with track & field, his interests include playing video games, reading, and hanging out with friends.
Sophia is happy to have the opportunity to compete at the Games and says she’s looking forward to “being a part of something so great and helping people.”
Ciara has been participating in the Special Olympics Unified Sports® program for three years and, along with participating in track & field, plays basketball. She also loves to dance! Ciara says she’s excited to be “part of an international organization that supports inclusion and differences.”
Josiah has been a member of his school’s Unified team for two years. In addition to track & field, he enjoys music, video games and reading the Bible. His thoughts on going to the USA Games? “I want to have fun and win,” says Josiah.
In addition to participating in Unified track this year, Jay is on his school’s cross-country team. His feelings about going to the Games? “I look forward to making new friends and helping as much as I can,” he says.
Kelly has been participating in Special Olympics track & field for six years. Her other pastimes include baking and cooking, babysitting and getting exercise by walking and weightlifting.
Kelly says, “I am honored to represent my school at the 2022 USA Games. I am nervous but I am also excited. I look forward to Florida and the excitement of the Games.”
When he’s not training with Shelton’s track & field team, Tyler spends his time boxing, wrestling, playing basketball and watching TV. What are Tyler’s thoughts on going to the Games? “I look forward to the opportunity to do my best to represent my school, my family and community. I hope to meet interesting people and make new friends. This opportunity makes me proud to have been chosen,” he says.
Danielle has been with Special Olympics for six years. In addition to track and field, Danielle participates in bowling, basketball, swimming and cheer. Her other interests include karate and ice hockey. Danielle plans to enjoy her visit to Florida for the Games and says, “I am excited to go to Disney World with my family and friends."
Shelton High School Unified Sports Coaches Karen Devonshuk and Michael Gambardella are helping these teammates prepare for competition and will accompany them to Orlando for the Games.
