News from the Field Department - November 2021

Our spotlight for November shines brightly on the charming athlete, Chassidy Addleman, from Clearfield County. Chassidy has been a Special Olympics Pennsylvania athlete for over 31 years and has earned 108 gold medals! Besides competing in a variety of sports, she is a leader for her county by serving as the Athlete Representative and Recording Secretary on the Management Team.

Chassidy is best known for being a cheerleader and supporter for her fellow athletes and she takes every opportunity to make her team feel awesome. As a member of the Clearfield County Management Team, she initiated the start of handing out greeting cards to athletes and volunteers in order to help her team care for each other.

Recently, Chassidy was surprised by a phone call from Pittsburgh Steelers Cornerback Joe Haden. Joe told Chassidy that she was one of the chosen few to be representing Team PA at the 2022 USA Games in Orlando, Florida! Chassidy couldn’t believe it, she is really excited. Chassidy has never been to a competition outside of Pennsylvania and has never flown on a plane. There are lots of first time adventures coming up for her.

What makes this moment even more special is that Clearfield County has never sent an athlete to USA Games. When she was informed that she would be the very first athlete to represent Clearfield County in Orlando next year, she said she felt like a star. She is so excited to have this honor and her family is very proud of her accomplishments.

Special Olympics has impacted Chassidy in many ways. She has improved her goal setting, met lots of new people and has a lot of pride to represent her county and Team PA.

Chassidy’s mentor is Cynthia Russell. Chassidy told us that she would not be where she is today without all of the support and guidance from her mentor. Cynthia is extremely proud of Chassidy and enjoys being in this role to help her succeed. Cynthia is thrilled for Chassidy to have this incredible experience and honored that the Clearfield County program will be making history by sending an athlete to USA Games.