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“My favorite memory of watching my sister compete is traveling to Iowa to watch her run,” Abby said.
Adina said competing at nationals in track and field and bringing home medals is her biggest accomplishment in her long career, but Special Olympics means so much more to her than just medals.
“It means a chance to compete in athletics, to meet new friends, and to have fun with my teammates,” Adina said.
Her sister Abby said Special Olympics has helped Adina develop skills not only related to sports, but also essential life skills.
“She has been more interactive with others and she has created many friendships throughout the years,” Abby said. “We have been blessed and privileged to coach and play alongside truly talented athletes whose stories of determination, dedication, and devotion have inspired us, and continue to do so both personally and professionally.”
Abby has coached for many years alongside her parents for the Air Capital Flyers and when she was in college, running track herself, she and her teammates volunteered at several Special Olympics events including running the Regional Swim Meet each year in Wichita.
Though Abby hasn’t been able to coach as much in recent years because of her career which took her out of town, she still tries to make it back for all of the sporting events.
“Seeing all of the athletes and my sister compete is worth every mile on the road,” Abby said.
And you can believe when it is time to compete Adina is ready.
She loves practicing and competing with her teammates; especially swimming, her favorite sport.
She said swimming is her favorite, “because I am fast!”
Adina said she has learned a lot from being part of her Special Olympics team, like it is okay to get a ribbon rather than a medal, although she adds, “but I still don’t like it.”
Adina may be highly competitive, but she doesn’t let her competitive drive get in the way of her kind demeanor.
“Adina is one of the sweetest people you could ever meet,” Abby said. “She lights up every room she walks into and always has a big smile on her face. She is the single most influential person in my life. She is truly one of a kind.”
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