I am going to USA Games

2022 Special Olympics USA Games · 5 June 2022 to 11 June 2022 ·
My dream is coming true. In June 2022, I will compete at the Special Olympics USA Games!
I have been a Special Olympics New York athlete since the age of 8. My first competition was swimming, and it it still my favorite sport. I love going on community adventures, keeping healthy, and having fun spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy the backstroke and free-style events, and am currently working with a personal trainer for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games.
Participating in Special Olympics for so many years has helped me become the active adult I am today. I have also competed in Special
Olympics bowling, track and field, and cross-country skiing events. I feel
like I can accomplish anything I strive to achieve.
I am a social person who enjoys meeting people and making new friends. My biggest obstacles
were overcoming shyness and feeling self-confident. I have held several jobs, acquiring those with more responsibility as time went on. I am most proud of the support I have always received from family, friends and my community.
Many of my most treasured accomplishments involve Special Olympics awards. The dozens of earned awards have impacted my life in great ways. My self-confidence has improved to the point that I am working more independently at my job and taking on more responsibilities. I have worked at Willsboro Senior Housing for over five years assisting senior citizens with self-care, cleaning in their apartments and in the common areas of the building. I am known for my contagious smile and uplifting attitude.
I love music, hanging out with my boyfriend, spending time with my nieces and nephews and caring for my cats. I enjoy helping my father on the farm and going camping. I greatly admire my mother, who is my biggest supporter and coach.
I am preparing for the 2022 Special Olympics by working with a personal trainer twice a week on my overall fitness and swimming at least once a week at the YMCA. Being asked to be a member of the 2022 Special Olympics is a huge source of pride for me, meaning I am a very good
swimmer and that the Special Olympics committee believes that I will
represent New York State well. I am honored to be one of three people to be chosen from my area. I will work hard to swim well, have fun and create
memories of a lifetime.
I am looking forward to winning the most important medal I have ever competed for, never having competed in an event higher than State
Games. Feel free to follow me on Facebook (Tara Sayward) or on Instagram (@TSayward09j). I love sharing my Special Olympics adventures and hope you will cheer me on at the 2022 USA Games.
Competing in USA Games means everything to me. I can't wait to bring home the gold for Team New York! Thank you for your support.
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