Ali Hamm

Athlete of the Month

Ali has been a Special Olympics Colorado athlete for 16 years. She first got involved in middle school when she competed in basketball and track. Over the years, Ali has grown her sports portfolio, competing in bowling, basketball, bocce ball, skiing, and powerlifting, which has now become her favorite sport. “I like my coaches and it helps me to keep in shape,” said Ali on why she loves powerlifting.

Through Special Olympics Colorado, Ali enjoys making new friends, as well as helping those around her do their best. One of her favorite memories is competing in powerlifting and working alongside coaches and teammates. “I like how it teaches me to be stronger and how to learn from the mistakes I made at regionals, which made me better at state and now and hopefully, at the USA Games,” she explained. She also has enjoyed meeting athletes from different states and forming new friendships.

This summer, Ali is heading to the 2026 USA Games in Minnesota, where she will be competing in powerlifting as part of Team Colorado. She said she is proud to represent her hometown, the Western Slope, and the state of Colorado, and is excited for what’s ahead. “I look forward to working with my teammate Paul and Coach Jesse and wish the best to my teammates in getting ready for the USA Games,” said Ali. “Go Colorado!”

We are excited to recognize Ali as the January Athlete of the Month. Congratulations, Ali!

The Gaynor Family

Family of the Month

The Gaynor family has been involved with Special Olympics Colorado since the spring of 2023, when their daughter Paisley was just 8 years old. Their journey began thanks to Holly McNeeley and her family, who brought their love for SOCO to Eastern Colorado and helped start the Eastern Colorado Dragon Team. Knowing the Gaynor family, Holly reached out to see if they’d be interested in participating and they immediately said yes. It quickly became one of the best decisions they’ve made for Paisley and their entire family.

The Gaynor family is very involved in Special Olympics Colorado. Tara, Paisley’s mom, serves as a coach, is a member of the Northeast Colorado Engagement Committee, and is working to build a Young Athlete team in their area.

Tara said that they have so many amazing memories that it’s difficult to choose a favorite, but one that comes to mind is Paisley’s very first State Bowling tournament, where she proudly brought home a gold medal. “She was so excited and proud of that medal,” said Tara. “She toted it around and showed everyone for weeks. We have been hooked ever since.”

What the Gaynors love most about Special Olympics Colorado is its unmatched sense of community. For them, SOCO represents inclusion at its best, bringing people together through joy, excitement, fun, and confidence.

Paisley, the youngest of 4 children, is the family’s Special Olympics athlete. Tara said that her older siblings love watching her grow and succeed in the sports she competes in, especially bowling and bocce.

We are proud to recognize the Gaynor Family as the January Family of the Month!