By Peyton Heller
Particular Olympics Massachusetts Improvement Intern
Elizabeth Downs began getting concerned with Particular Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA) when her cousin, Andrew Lawson, joined a number of years in the past. “I bought concerned with Particular Olympics via my cousin Andrew. I’d attend his swimming occasions and simply be blown away on the pleasure of the athletes, coaches, and spectators.” 
Elizabeth is a part of the 2017 Xtra Mile crew for the Falmouth Street Race. With this being her third time operating this race, she makes use of the motivation from Andrew to proceed operating. “This yr my motivation behind Falmouth is my cousin Andrew. Andrew has been a Particular Olympics athlete for a number of years now. Over the past two years he has been battling most cancers. He’s such a fighter! My aunt talked about to me that Particular Olympics had a crew, and as quickly as I used to be off the cellphone together with her, I stuffed out my utility. What higher technique to honor my pal than to run for the very group that has given him so many fantastic, comfortable alternatives.”
Operating together with her greatest good friend, Jill Stone, who can also be aside of the Xtra Mile crew, Elizabeth may be very excited to have the chance to run this race as soon as once more. “I’ve run Falmouth twice. The occasion is wonderful. The group is excellent. Simply pray that it’s not too scorching!!!”
Whereas Elizabeth has continued to look at Andrew compete in occasions through the years, her love for Particular Olympics has grown tremendously. She is grateful for the alternatives that Particular Olympics has given Andrew. “One phrase that involves thoughts after I consider Particular Olympics is “inspirational”. Particular Olympics is a tremendous group. The alternatives they supply for his or her athletes are infinite. I’ve been to a number of occasions and each time I watch athletes compete, cheer on their fellow teammates, and obtain their medals I’m left with a sense of absolute amazement. One other phrase that involves thoughts after I consider Particular Olympics is “neighborhood.” The sense of household that they’ve supplied for households with kids which might be disabled is one thing that most individuals are extremely grateful for.”
The inspiration Elizabeth receives from Andrew is just not solely associated to operating, but additionally to her job. Elizabeth labored for North River Collaborative as an ABA therapist after she graduated from faculty however grew to become an inclusion instructor three years later. Since then, she has been working at Cedar Elementary, switching between 2nd and third grade. She thanks Andrew for uplifting her to grow to be a instructor. 
“The inspiration for changing into a instructor was my cousin, Andrew Lawson. Andrew was born on March 19, 1990, and from the second I met him, an curiosity sparked with regard to his early intervention and therapies. I knew it was the trail I wished to purse. By Andrew’s mother and father I used to be launched to what Particular Olympics was, and what number of fantastic alternatives it gives to kids with disabilities.”
Particular Olympics Massachusetts thanks you to your assist and desires you the very best of luck on race day, Elizabeth!
Please think about supporting Elizabeth or one of many different Xtra Mile Falmouth runners!
Need to run Falmouth, bike within the Rodman Trip for Youngsters, or a lot of different races? Be a part of the Xtra Mile right now!
