Every ROCK participant and their family, has a story; a story of hope, resilience and overcoming the challenges that they face every day.
Wynter, a 17 year old girl, who has not only survived more than her fair share of trials and tragedy, of prejudice and betrayal, of loss and even near-death experiences, but also is a girl who continues to strive to fight for her best life ever. She is a competitive, empathetic, strong, creative, capable, responsible and funny individual, who perseveres despite what challenges come against her. This girl continues to fight every day to build a life for herself, for equality and for her place in this world.
Wynter was born with one of the three types of Down Syndrome that gives her low muscle tone and a rag-doll appearance/ feel and this directly affects things like: breathing, eating, speech, developmental milestones, the nervous system (sensory) and more.
Facing the challenges head on, Wynter has not given up. She has fought to compete right along-side her peers for most of her life. Wynter loves to dance and has taken ballet, jazz and hip- hop classes. She is currently on a cheer team at Tumble Tech called “Gold-Rush”. She is an incredible archer and can shoot a bulls-eye with a compound bow from 10 yards. She is an amazing swimmer; she loves to go bowling and even gets an occasional hole in one at mini-golf. She loves to write in her diary, loves crafts, takes care of her pets, loves to cook and host dinner parties and so – so much more.
Last year, in 2023, was Wynter’s FIRST time ever to compete in a special Olympics event, and it happened to be right here at ROCK. At the last minute, she entered 3 events with her instructor Amy and shared horse Scooter. To everyone’s surprise and amazement, Wynter brought home her first Gold medal, then her second and finally her THIRD Gold Medal!! It was a shocking day for all.
Riding at ROCK has given her wonderful posture (when on the horse); It has built her confidence and independence; It is helping with her memory, patience, routine, focus and so much more. This year, at Special Olympics, Wynter brought home one Gold, one Silver, and one Bronze medal for the 3 events she participated in.
As far as her long-term goals, Wynter will tell you that, like her siblings, she plans on moving out at 18. She will tell you that her hope is to join the citizens at B.I.G. (Brookwood in Georgetown) as soon as she can, so she can have a job, give back to her community and have life-long friends and a purpose. Eventually, she would love to join them at the residential home called, Grace Place, as well.
Wynter knows that she has so much to offer the world, if just given the opportunity. Wynter is willing to learn and work hard for her place in this world, as she has already proven that time and time again. Her parents hope for her is simply that the rest of the world will try a fraction as hard, as she does, to create that place for her and give her that chance.
Story provided by Wynter’s mother, Tiffany.
