Bel Air's Sam Shines In Special Olympics, Riding Horses, Is Friend To All

BEL AIR, MD — We all know student athletes who also bring their A-game to other parts of their lives.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know the individual stories behind the leaderboard.

This submission comes from Lynne DiBastiani who nominated Sam of Bel Air.

Star student athlete’s name

Sam

Star student athlete’s home state

Maryland

Star student athlete’s Patch town

Bel Air

How do you know the star student athlete?

Son

What sport does the star student athlete play?

Therapeutic riding and Special Olympics track/field

Why do you believe the star student athlete should be recognized?

Sam cannot participate in normal high school sports as his speech is nonverbal/unintelligible and he has Down syndrome. But that doesn't stop him from wanting to be athletic. He rides his therapy pony Saturday mornings with dedicated volunteers at Therapeutic Riding at Normandy Farm in Street, MD. He's been riding since he was five. He also participates with Harford County's Special Olympics Athletics (track and field) team during the spring season. He's competed annually during the Towson Games for four years. In high school, the life skills (special ed) students compete seasonally in Sports for Life (bocce, corn hole, basketball, bowling, etc.). Sam loves to participate with his friends in these activities, too.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the star student athlete?

Sam wants to be included and IS included!

Keep up the great work, Sam!

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Know an outstanding student athlete? Nominate them as a Patch Star Student Athlete.