24 KARAT THROUGH & THROUGH!

Emily Rogers has Down’s Syndrome, causing her to have both intellectual and physical challenges. She has undergone heart surgery and has reduced adaptive behavior skills and impaired gross and fine motor skills. However, these issues only pose “minor setbacks” for her!

Emily, age 20, has been actively involved in a large variety of sports and extremely active in Garland ISD Olympic Games since she was in elementary school. And she has participated in Texas Special Olympics for the last 8 years! Despite her impaired gross and fine motor skills, Emily’s parents have had to be creative to find more space to display her 58 medals; 28 Gold, 14 Silver and 16 Bronze. 6 of the medals brought home are from the State Games! She was one of only six athletes chosen by DELL and Special Olympics for their “Recognition of Sports & School”!

To add to her Gold Medals is her HEART OF GOLD! When she isn’t participating in some sort of sporting event, she LOVES to volunteer with Special Olympics, her local food pantry and elementary school.

Academically, Emily has her obvious challenges. But once again, you won’t see her taking even one step back. She attended Sachse High School and currently participates in a 12+ transition program called B Train!

What’s in Emily’s future? When asked, she said that her dream job is to work with Special Olympics!