|
An avid bowler, Lorraine spends her “spare” time helping out with the Broward County Parks and Recreations Department’s “Pins and Pals” bowling program and she belongs to the “Just for You” social group offered by the Recreation Department for higher functioning special needs individuals. Among her many abilities, Lorraine is fluent in German. Lorraine would like to participate in more sports, but currently spends a great deal of her time caring for her ailing father. Lorraine says Special Olympics “has given me more self confidence and a positive attitude. I learned that despite all the teasing in high school and on my job, people with disabilities can be good at something and even make a difference in other people’s lives.” This will be Lorraine’s first World Games experience and says she is looking forward to “meeting new people, making new friends, learning about different cultures and most of all, doing well in my sport.” Lorraine’s mother knows the difference Special Olympics has made in her daughter’s life: “Lorraine has more self esteem, she feels comfortable being among her peers and outsiders. She knows that despite her limitation, she can be successful and we are very proud of her. Lorraine’s disability started when she was 10 months old after she received a smallpox vaccination. She was later employed in retail for 6 years and never missed a day, then was abruptly terminated. Ignorance and prejudice will continue to cause difficulties for people with disabilities, therefore the experience and thrill of being part of the Special Olympics World Summer Games will be an unforgettable event in their [athletes] sometimes dismal lives.”
|
Athlete: Lorraine Nilson