Emmett Abdo, a Philadelphia athlete was featured in SOAR’s 2019 edition. SOAR is the Special Olympics Athlete Review that gets published once a quarter by Special Olympics PA’s ALPS Coordinator. Emmett wrote an article titled Why I love Special Olympics.
Emmett shared his experiences with Special Olympics and how it shaped him to be the person and athlete he is today. He also gave readers what his next goals are. We’re rooting for you, Emmett! See below for his article.
Athlete, Emmett Abdo with TDY’s Bennett
Hi, my name is Emmett Abdo. I have been participating in Special Olympics for 17 years and have loved every moment of it! Swimming is my favorite sport; however, I also participate in soccer, tennis and basketball. Like many athletes, Special Olympics has helped me feel more confident and strive to do my very best in both sports and life. One example I’m proud of would be that it helped me get a job as a Bellhop at a Holiday Inn Express. Recently, I was asked to speak at the Leprechaun Run with my fellow Philly athletes Lisa Barbour and Charlie Zisette. For those that aren’t familiar, the Leprechaun Run is one of Special Olympics Pennsylvania’s fundraisers. Since I love speaking in front of large crowds, I decided that I wanted to be trained as a Global Messenger. As an athlete, I feel it’s important that not only I share with others what Special Olympics has meant for me, but also explain to others how they can help make a difference in the lives of myself and the 20,000 other athletes throughout Pennsylvania.
My next biggest goal is to qualify for the 2022 USA Games in Orlando. Additionally, once I am trained as a Global Messenger, I would also like to be able to co-emcee Opening Ceremonies at Fall Festival.
I always enjoy telling others that just a little bit of their time or money can go a long way towards making a difference!
Emmett Abdo is an athlete in Philadelphia County and has been participating in Special Olympics for 17 years. Outside of Special Olympics, Emmett enjoys watching American Idol, America’s Got Talent and Dancing with the Stars as well as going to Reading Terminal Market.
Share Your Story: If you would like to share a story on Summer Games, World Games or any other recent Special Olympics experiences, please e-mail Jordan Schubert at jschubert@specialolympicspa.org
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