March 2022 Change Makers
Michelle Zhang
Michelle ZhangAthlete of the Month
Michelle has been involved with Special Olympics Colorado for four years and currently competes in tennis and skiing. Her parents got her involved with many sports when she was younger, but when she was 12 years old she participated in her first Special Olympics ski competition.
Michelle explained that competing with Special Olympics has made her stay fit and has kept her busy. She enjoys how Special Olympics has allowed her to have more confidence in herself and have more opportunities.
This June, Michelle will be attending the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando, FL where she’ll compete in tennis. She said that she’s not nervous at all to be attending USA Games because she was born in Florida and is used to the environment.
“It’s actually a great honor to be competing,” said Michelle. “I’ll be representing our great state to do our best.”
Congratulations, Michelle, on being selected as our March Athlete of the Month! We’ll be cheering you on at USA Games this summer!
Ford Motor Company
Corporate Partner of the Month
Our partnership with Ford began in 2019 when they became our Host Night Sponsor for the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) International Conference here in Colorado. At the Conference, Ford was awarded the 2019 LETR Corporate Gold Sponsorship Award in support of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Colorado. This year, they also signed on to be the presenting sponsor of our 2022 Polar Plunge Series.
In 2020 and 2021, Ford generously donated an F-150 XLT SuperCrew for our Unified Raffle! Thanks to Ford, we are able to raffle off the truck again this year and work with local Colorado Law Enforcement Agencies and Colorado companies to raise much-needed funds for our Special Olympics Colorado athletes. We are extra grateful for our Partnership with Ford during these times. Thank you to Anne Pelazza of Ford, Brian Frick of GTB, and Lt. Kevin Heaton with the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office who helped us create this partnership.
In honor of our partnership, click here to purchase a Unified Raffle ticket for a chance to win multiple prizes!