Rylee began her journey with Special Olympics 10 years ago at the age of 8. In August of 2015, she spent every waking moment of a camping trip in the creek learning to swim. Her cousins taught her well, even if they froze! She made the swim team the week of her 8th birthday and began her wall of medals and her path into Special Olympics.

The past 10 years have brought many sports to Rylee, but being on her Unified team is what she loves the most! Unified team is a team where kids with and without intellectual disabilities play together as one.

Rylee has swam, played softball, bocce, track & field, and also weightlifting. Everyone was super excited when we found out that there was a possibility of going to USA games! February 2025 brought the news that PA was having 90 athletes going to the games, Rylee made the team!

While Rylee's participation in the Special Olympics is covered by the Special Olympics of PA, the fundraiser will help support her mom with travel-related expenses during the week, along with team activities and experiences outside the competition.

These shared moments are a meaningful part of the journey-giving the athletes time to connect, celebrate their hard work, and create unforgettable memories.

USA games will be held in Minneapolis with 4,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches, and 10,000 volunteers. Athletes from all 50 states will compete in 19 events, both unified and traditional. It is a week-long event that truly shows the heart and soul of each champion. Please help support Rylee and Special Olympics Pennsylvania!