"Special Olympics gives such a balance, it really brings us into a special world," said Sue Itoh, Sarah's mother. "It's a world I love, a caring world, and we feel very privileged to be a part of it."

That same caring world is what has connected Sarah to those around her. Inside and outside Special Olympics, Sarah sees everyone equally and her mother says she is more rounded because of her involvement in Special Olympics.

"To Sarah, everyone is special and precious, she sees no difference just as everyone should be to each other," says Sue Itoh. "She sees just the person; that is how Special Olympics brings everything together, for her and us. Sarah helps the world around her connect more because of her experiences."

The determination to do her best carries over from Special Olympics to Sarah's other activities.

"There's times when she'll be down, because she doesn't do as well as some of the other kids, and I encourage her to just do her best," said Sue Itoh. "I've never seen another child work so hard."

Not only has Special Olympics taught her that trying her best is what matters most, it has also boosted her self confidence.

Sarah is an accomplished public speaker and often speaks to large audiences to share her story; and why she loves Special Olympics.

"I had the privilege of introducig Sarah to about 200 people from Selfridge Air National Guard Base. She never wavered during her speech. She spoke on a stage with about 400 eyes watching her like two good friends chatting over lunch," said Vanesse Walsh, Special Olympics Michigan Public Relations Director. "She is a shining star in the global messenger program."

As an accomplished Global Messenger, Sarah was invited to give the invocation at the State Summer Games Opening Ceremonies. At the Games, Sarah ran her personal best times.

"Even though she only earned one medal this year at the State Summer Games she ran her fastest time in each of her events," said Sue Itoh. "It was hard for her to understand that even without a medal, she tried her very best, and she did the best she has ever done."

"I was proud of her accomplishment," said Sarah's coach Chris Mendez, from Area 14, "It was nice for her to see her hard work in training came together for her."

Mendez says he sees Sarah's drive to do her best when she competes, and she is always eager to improve herself through her events in the Games.

"After she ran her personal best time, I don't think she really appreciated her accomplishment. It was like, ‘OK when's my next event,'" said Mendez. "Maybe that's how it should be, doing your best and looking forward to what's next. Just doing her best was good enough for her."

Sarah joined a number of other activities along with Special Olympics. She is a girl scout, plays the clarinet, attends her church youth group, is home schooled in math and reading during the summer, and attends regular classes at school and her favorite activity competitive swimming.

"I really like playing my clarinet and swimming," said Sarah.

When participating in Special Olympics, Sarah runs the 50-meter, 100-meter and the 200-meter dash.

"My favorite part of the Games was doing the invocation and staying in the dorms with friends," said Sarah. "My favorite event is the 200-meter dash."

Sarah has competed in Special Olympics for three years. She has made great strides personally and athletically.

"Sarah has learned to focus on running a race. By the time of the State Summer Games she was no longer distracted by the noises and the cheering," said Mendez. "Running is something Sarah enjoys doing, and it's something she can continue to do as she grows older to maintain a healthy lifestyle."

Posted: 2008-01-01