What Special Olympics Means to Me

What Special Olympics Means to Jennifer and Her Family

Special Olympics have given Jennifer the opportunity to meet and make good friends. Through Special Olympics she has the opportunity to be part of a "real" team. Being on a team means showing up to practices, doing your best, following the rules and showing up at games. Jennifer learned about good sportsmanship through our wins and losses. She knows what it means to have a team rely on you and to work together towards a common goal. She also found out how important it is to cheer and support other athletes in their efforts to do well in Special Olympics.

The families of the athletes are a wonderful support network for our family. These families know what barriers we face and know the challenges we have yet to overcome. Their words of encouragement and support really keep us going sometimes. We have made strong friendships through Special Olympics and our team the Terminators.

Special Olympics have offered her training in physical fitness and diet through the "So Fit" program. She really enjoyed this class and continues to exercise four to five days a week at the gym. Her diet has also improved and her stamina on the job is great due to her fitness regime.

The Global Messenger Program has also assisted Jennifer in improving her public speaking skills. Although it was not easy to write, practice and deliver speeches weekly, it helped her become a better speaker.

Through Special Olympics Jennifer has developed self-confidence and have become more outgoing. She has taken these qualities and she has been able to be self-supporting as she is employed at the Hale Koa Hotel. She takes this job seriously and she is always thinking about customer service. She has come a long way and continues to amaze us with all of her accomplishments.

Gwen and Brian Kagihara
Parents of Jennifer Kagihara