By Melanie Barrios
Through Special Olympics, athletes have the opportunity to train in different sports and discover new strengths and abilities that help them find joy, confidence, and fulfillment on and off the field. Athletes get to compete in various sports events showing off their skills, and at times, may get invited to compete at USA Games. Tessa Nagy is one of 63 athletes representing Team SOSC at the Special Olympics USA Games.
As a first-time competitor at USA Games, Tessa feels excited and proud to get the chance to represent Team SOSC in swimming. The Santa Monica native is hard at work training for the big event. She is practicing consistently on her freestyle and building her speed endurance. Of course, doing her absolute best at the Games is her top priority, but it is the plane ride to Orlando and spending quality time with her teammates that Tessa is excited about experiencing. Meeting new people and creating strong relationships is what competing at the Games is about.
When asked how her life has improved since joining Special Olympics, Tessa shared that she feels happy and healthy. “I can do things myself. I am strong,” Tessa said enthusiastically.
Tessa sees the world from a positive perspective that much is clear as you hear her speak about her love for Special Olympics. Like many athletes, Tessa has a goal of being the best version of herself through the power of sports, and Special Olympics is helping her achieve her goal. She shared, “I am swimming faster. I am learning to do things myself. I can do things myself. I am happy!”
Now the world gets to have a front-row seat to see her achieve her dreams, and Team SOSC could not be more proud of Tessa.