Nineteen year old Sheridan Coleman loves playing basketball. And she’s good at it. Her team the Lightning Bugs has been Illinois state champs for 7 years. And although she thrives at basketball, life has brought challenges to Sheridan that many of us cannot begin to understand. She has recently been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and she has speech apraxia, a condition that according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association causes a disconnect
between the brain and the muscles of the mouth. Words come to the brain but thoughts don’t always make it out correctly. Zenetta, Sheridan’s mother says this has created some developmental delays that her daughter has fought for years to overcome.
The Special Olympics of Southern Illinois has made a huge difference in Sheridan’s life. According to Zenetta, “That’s been a driving force from a transition that she has made to overcome some of her challenges.” Sheridan lives in Carbondale, Illinois and has been involved in Special Olympics for 11 years now. She plays basketball, softball, boccia ball and she bowls too. The program runs 12 months out of the year and the sports change out seasonally so there is always something to do. Sheridan loves being athletic but another benefit of the organization is a new circle of friends. “They are my best friends. They make me laugh and crack up.”
That’s very important according to Zenetta who says creating friendships is not always easy for kids with disabilities. “Many of us grew up taking friendship for granted. The slumber parties and birthday parties, that was something that wasn’t happening for her. We looked for a way to really truly get her involved with her own circle of friends with people who were like her. The Special Olympics opened the door and gave us the opportunity to do that”.
Now Sheridan has parties and sleepovers, and most importantly, friends. There’s even an added health benefit to playing sports for Sheridan. Since starting basketball she lost 70 pounds in three years and kicked diabetes. She is active and taking an interest in healthy eating habits.
The Special Olympics is a family affair as well. Zenetta has been a coach and a parent advocate and sat on the state board to help get people involved. Even grandma and grandpa are taking part.
But Sheridan isn’t just an athlete, she has also served as an official representative for the Special Olympics. She was a recent Duck Derby ambassador for Southern Illinois. It’s easy to spot the Duck Derby when it’s happening. Rivers turn yellow with little rubber ducks racing to the finish line. It’s a big annual fundraiser for the organization benefiting thousands of Illinois athletes. With that responsibility brought newspaper interviews and live television appearances
for Sheridan which improved her verbal skills and Zenetta says it shows. “The social part of it, even academic, the public speaking has really shaped her into someone that I am really proud of.”
So what does the future hold for Sheridan Coleman? A lot, but the Special Olympics will always play a major part in her life. “Helping others, being always there, forever.” That’s what she envisions.
Many of the athletes are older and many drive cars and hold jobs. Zenetta says Sheridan’s young age means years of activities to look forward to. “As a parent of a younger athlete it’s good to be able to see the possibilities. That keeps us faithful.”
They both have a message to anyone looking to be involved. Zenetta tells parents not to give up and Sheridan’s advice is simple to anyone thinking of joining the Special Olympics. “Don’t be afraid.” And the Special Olympics anthem is a good one. “Let me win, but if I cannot win let me be brave in the attempt.” It’s very clear, competition aside, Sheridan is winning.
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