Courtesy photo
Cari Davis, 31, a Special Olympics athlete for 20 years, has lobbied Nevada’s congressmen to support Special Olympics.
Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008 | midnight
After 20 years of competing in Special Olympics Nevada, Cari Davis has accumulated more medals than she can fit around her neck.
When Davis, a Green Valley resident, traveled to Washington, D.C., last March as a representative for Special Olympics Nevada, she had to pick just a few to wear.
As with all of the athletes who came representing their state’s programs, Davis, 31, spent the week wearing the medals as she lobbied for support from Nevada’s congressmen.
“It was really cool,” said Davis, who has cerebral palsy. “We got to meet Senator Harry Reid.”
As much as she likes the medals, Davis loves the experiences she has had through the Olympics even more.
She has traveled to Sacramento for a national bowling tournament and Raleigh, N.C., for the 1999 Summer World Games, at which she captured a gold and two silver medals.
When she met with Nevada’s congressmen this spring, for the third year in a row, she showed the officials how important the games are to the about Nevada 3,000 athletes.
The group is a not-for-profit organization, making the support of sponsors, donations and politicians crucial.
“They are really good about supporting us,” said Sue Davis, Davis’ mother. “It’s all about bringing awareness to the elected officials. We obviously want to ask for help, but for lack of a better word, we’re ambassadors for Special Olympics.”
Shortly after Cari Davis was born, a lack of oxygen to her brain affected the motor controls irreversibly, causing cerebral palsy. Her hearing and motor skills were affected, but she has not let anything stop her from having a normal life.
Competing in sports has helped improve her balance and coordination.
“She’s just a regular girl,” Sue Davis said. “The Special Olympics has given her confidence. The games are so much more than athletics.”
Cari Davis began participating in 1988 and her family is one of the organization’s most dedicated.
They have seen the program grow from just a few sports to a large organization that includes an international games every other year.
In the meantime, Cari Davis has competed in basketball, bowling, swimming, track and golf — pretty much every sport offered locally.
“It evolved from helping as a parent on the sidelines and now we’re just as hooked as she is,” Sue Davis said. “It’s just so much fun.”
Special Olympics Regional Director Maggie Schwartz said she depends on families such as the Davis’ to volunteer, coach and be ambassadors.
“They are engaged in all levels of the program,” Schwartz said. “They represent the family perspective and the volunteer perspective.”
Cari Davis’ latest wins include a golds in the 100-meter dash and 400-meter walk at the regional level.
Sean Ammerman can be reached at 990-2661 or [email protected].
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