As a sports enthusiast, I have experienced how athletic competition helps build character. Playing soccer for 13 years taught me about camaraderie, discipline, dedication, and confidence, which prepared me for life off of the field and shaped who I am today.

Although I still enjoy numerous sports, running has become my "thing": It is extremely challenging both physically and mentally, and provides me an indescribable sense of accomplishment and satisfaction when I complete training runs. Over the past year I have trained for and completed 2 Half Marathons and feel that my next goal is to tackle a full marathon (26.2 miles)! While training for the 2011 LA Marathon I will also be fund-raising to support an organization that helps build character in individuals through athletic competition - Special Olympics.

I support Special Olympics because it provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them the opportunity to develop the virtues I experienced while playing soccer: developing physical fitness, demonstrating courage, experiencing joy and achievement and most importantly, participating in a sharing of gifts, community, skills, and friendship with their friends, families, and other Special Olympics athletes.

“Dignity, acceptance, and a change to reach one’s potential – these are the human rights worth promoting for everyone. For more than four decades, Special Olympics had been bringing one message to the world: people with intellectual disabilities can and will succeed if given the opportunity.” (http://www.specialolympics.org/)

As I prepare to cross the finish line of the 2011 LA Marathon, I ask that you support my efforts by:

• Making a pledge to quit using the r-word as a derogatory term: http://r-word.org/

• Donate $26.20 via this website – All proceeds will directly benefit Special Olympics athletes and are tax deductible (however, donation amounts of any size – small or large – are welcome!)

• Show up at the 2011 LA Marathon to cheer me on! The event begins at Dodger Stadium and concludes at the Santa Monica Pier (http://www.lamarathon.com/)