Alexea Wentz

What Special Olympics program do you belong to?
Special Olympics Maryland

What does Special Olympics mean to you?
Special Olympics means competing in the sports I love and being accepted for who I am

What sports do you play?
The sports I do for Special Olympics are cheerleading, dance, and bowling. Hoping to try a new sport next year.

What is your favorite sport?
My favorite sport is Special Olympics cheerleading. Cheerleading is my favorite sport because I am energetic and love cheering on others.

What was your favorite Special Olympics moment so far?
My favorite Special Olympics moment was when Special Olympics Maryland surprised me at my house that I would be going to the 2022 USA Games to compete in bowling.

How was the photoshoot?
It was wonderful, I had a great time!

Which merchandise item from the photo shoot is your favorite?
My favorite item from the merchandise shoot would be the red shirt and the ¼ zip.

Tim Gowen

What Special Olympics program do you belong to?
Special Olympics Maryland

What does Special Olympics mean to you?
It means a lot of things to me. To participate in sports, to make new friends and be friendly and also to come and support and cheer them on and encourage them.

What sports do you play?
Bowling, Bocce, and the Torch Run.

What is your favorite sport?
Bowling.

What was your favorite Special Olympics moment so far?
When I got a Gold Metal in bowling at State Games.

How was the photoshoot?
Outstanding!

Which merchandise item from the photo shoot is your favorite?
The long sleeve zipper shirt.

Perez Plater

What Special Olympics program do you belong to?
Special Olympics DC

What does Special Olympics mean to you?
To compete, meet new friends, and have fun with everyone.

What sports do you play?
Golf, Basketball.

What is your favorite sport?
Golf.

What was your favorite Special Olympics moment so far?
Experiencing going to the Special Olympics (USA Games) in June 2022 and winning a medal.

How was the photoshoot?
It was excellent! It was fun.

Which merchandise item from the photo shoot is your favorite?
The hoodie.

Annu Singleton

What Special Olympics program do you belong to?
Special Olympics Maryland

What does Special Olympics mean to you?
To me, it means that it shows that anyone can do anything if they put their mind to it. Opportunity is not limited by disability.

What sports do you play?
17 Sports: Track & Field, Speed Ice Skating, Skiing, Bowling, Bocce, Swimming, Basketball, Equestrian, Kayaking, Sailing, Soccer, Long Distance Running, Snowshoeing, Dance, Cheerleading, Volleyball, and Flag Football.

What is your favorite sport?
Speed Skating.

What was your favorite Special Olympics moment so far?
My favorite SOMD moment so far is being an Official Super Plunge for the first time this year.

How was the photoshoot?
I have two words about the photoshoot – amazing and phenomenal! I got the chance to be in something and have the opportunity to show everyone that we can do anything when we put our minds to it. Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t do this or you can’t do that!

Which merchandise item from the photo shoot is your favorite?
The items are amazing, the sweatshirts and all other items are incredible, no doubt about that. I think [my favorite] one of the merchandise from the photo shoot is one of the Spread The Word Inclusion Shirts.

Michelle Andrade

What Special Olympics program do you belong to?
Special Olympics Maryland

What does Special Olympics mean to you?
It means I can do sports.

What sports do you play?
Bocce, Kayaking, Basketball, Bowling, Snowshoeing, Cheerleading, and Dance.

What is your favorite sport?
My favorite sport is Cheerleading.

What was your favorite Special Olympics moment so far?
I love competition and participate in State and World Games.

How was the photoshoot?
It was good.

Which merchandise item from the photo shoot is your favorite?
I like the hat and the Shirt that says: "Spread the word inclusion".

Marti Clark

What Special Olympics program do you belong to?
Special Olympics DC

What does Special Olympics mean to you?
I like Special Olympics because it’s fun and it keeps people healthy.

What sports do you play?
Basketball, Tennis, Cheerleading.

What is your favorite sport?
Cheer.

What was your favorite Special Olympics moment so far?
My participation in the LA games (LA2015 Special Olympics World Games).

How was the photoshoot?
It was fun and I feel like a model.

Have you ever done anything like this before?
Yes.

Which merchandise item from the photo shoot is your favorite?
I love all the hoodies.