Meet Falmouth Highway Race Runner Elizabeth Downs

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 received concerned with Particular Olympics by my cousin Andrew. I might 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 workforce for the Falmouth Highway Race. With this being her third time working this race, she makes use of the motivation from Andrew to proceed working. “This yr my motivation behind Falmouth is my cousin Andrew. Andrew has been a Particular Olympics athlete for a number of years now. During the last two years he has been battling most cancers. He’s such a fighter! My aunt talked about to me that Particular Olympics had a workforce, and as quickly as I used to be off the telephone together with her, I crammed out my software. What higher technique to honor my pal than to run for the very group that has given him so many fantastic, blissful alternatives.”

Operating together with her greatest good friend, Jill Stone, who can be aside of the Xtra Mile workforce, 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 gang is excellent. Simply pray that it’s not too scorching!!!”

Whereas Elizabeth has continued to observe 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 once I consider Particular Olympics is “inspirational”. Particular Olympics is an incredible group. The alternatives they supply for his or her athletes are countless. 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 once I consider Particular Olympics is “neighborhood.” The sense of household that they’ve supplied for households with youngsters which are disabled is one thing that most individuals are extremely grateful for.”

The inspiration Elizabeth receives from Andrew isn’t solely associated to working, but in addition to her job. Elizabeth labored for North River Collaborative as an ABA therapist after she graduated from faculty however grew to become an inclusion trainer 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 trainer. “The inspiration for changing into a trainer was my cousin, Andrew Lawson. Andrew was born on March 19, 1990, and from the second I met him, an curiosity sparked with reference to his early intervention and therapies. I knew it was the trail I needed to purse. By Andrew’s dad and mom I used to be launched to what Particular Olympics was, and what number of fantastic alternatives it offers to youngsters with disabilities.”