MEET ALMA, as a baby, she was diagnosed with Williams Syndrome—a developmental disorder that affects many parts of the body and causes intellectual disability. There are no words to describe how her parents felt to discover that their child’s health, cognition, and development would be affected for the rest of her life.

Alma joined Special Olympics when she was only two. The Active Start program has helped her develop her fine and gross motor skills, make new friends, and experience all the benefits that sport can bring. At Active Start, there are no timelines put on a child’s development. No one complains that a child is holding the others back. Instead, every parent and volunteer cheers on every child, creating a place where everyone truly belongs.

When Alma started with Special Olympics, she was still using a walker to get around. One day she left the walker behind and ran across the gym to chase after a ball. Everyone in the room stopped and watched her do it, and afterwards, erupted in applause. It was such an incredible moment.