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Jessica Sommerer at a Young Athlete session. | |
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Jessica is a beautiful, blond hair, blue eyed 3 year old girl with Down syndrome. She has an older brother Matthew, 11, and a younger sister Amanda, 1. Jessica participates in the Young Athletes Program in her early childhood class through School District 54 in Schaumburg, Illinois.
The Young Athletes Program has had many benefits for Jessica. It has provided her with additional exercise to aid in her physical therapy and has helped in her overall development and physical abilities. “This program will also provide benefits that may only be measurable as she matures but will be important in every aspect of her life, such as socialization and team work”, says Mom. “This program will introduce Jessica to a variety of sports and their basic rules.”
Jessica has been around Special Olympics all her life watching her brother compete. Her brother Matthew, who also has Down syndrome, has been involved in most of the sports District 54 offers. His favorites are basketball, soccer, softball and track. Jessica's mother feels she will probably follow in her brothers footsteps. “We will continue to encourage her participation in both the Young Athletes and the Special Olympics programs.”
“We feel extremely grateful to live in an area that provides such great opportunities for children with special needs. These programs allow children with special needs to be just like other kids”.
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