Elburn will be represented by Janna Blowers this summer at the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games taking place in Princeton, New Jersey. The accomplished athlete joins Team Illinois to compete in gymnastics. This is Janna’s eleventh year with Special Olympics Illinois.
Janna is currently in a transition program at St. Charles North High School, where she is a 4-year member of Team Polaris (integrated special education and general education students), a 4-year manager of the girls basketball varsity team, and a school ambassador to assist visitors to the school. She was also voted Homecoming Queen by her peers.
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Janna works as an assistant to the students at Two Rivers Head Start and the special education early childhood class at Ferson Creek Elementary School. She is active in charity organizations, raising money annually for Relay for Life, Project Dance and Project Mobility.
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“Special Olympics has taught me to work hard to win,” says Janna. “I have learned many different sports and it has made my body stronger. I feel special because I was chosen for Team Illinois and I look forward to making my family, friends and coaches proud of me!”
Janna was nominated by her school’s Athletic Director to receive the Unsung Hero Award for her consistent and ongoing assistance, encouragement and support to her team and the athletic department. She was also chosen by a committee of faculty members as one of only 12 graduating seniors (of 530 graduated) to receive the Northstar Award, given in recognition of significant contributions to the culture of the school.
On Janna’s involvement with Special Olympics Illinois, her parents say, “Special Olympics has given Janna an opportunity to develop skills in a supportive environment. She has learned to accept constructive criticism and to use it to improve her performance.”
“She has enjoyed being part of a team and enjoys contributing to the overall success of the team. USA Games will be fun for Janna as her opponents from previous regional and state meets will now be her teammates.”
The public is encouraged to wish Janna and her fellow Team Illinois athletes good luck and show their support on June 6 with the Special Olympics Illinois Virtual Sendoff. For more information visit the please visit facebook.com/specialolympicsillinois.
