“I’ve Done Everything”: Defying Odds, Ithaca’s Special Olympics Equestrian Tells Her Storied Sports Journey

The Special Olympics New York State Summer Games are coming to Ithaca on June 9 and 10, 2024. Athletes will compete in eight sports across different venues, including Ithaca College, Ithaca High School, and various locations for events like Track and field, Basketball, Swimming, Gymnastics, Powerlifting, Tennis, Bowling, equestrian with vibrant Opening and Closing Ceremonies at Ithaca College’s A&E Center and Campus Center.

From an event unfolding 7,000 miles away, emerges a poignant connection to It. Kinsey Henry, a dedicated athlete hailing from Groton, moved audiences to tears as she shared her profound journey through the Special Olympics. Her heartfelt speech recently surfaced on X, resonating deeply with viewers and illuminating the impactful reach of this incredible movement

Kinsey Henry’s inspiring ride with Special Olympics

Nicole Aponte, a senior Broadcast and Digital Journalism student at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, recently shared a touching post featuring a reel highlighting a student with autism. The video showcased Kinsey Henry’s journey, a proud member of the Special Olympics equestrian team known as the High Riders in Epica, NY. Despite not being solely about winning, Kinsey’s determination echoes through her involvements in different sports. In her words, when it comes to Special Olympics there’s nothing she won’t try “i’ve started in Bowling I’ve done track and field I’ve done everything that you can think of”.

Kinsey’s passion for horseback riding stemmed from a deep longing, yet finding a team in upstate New York that accommodated individuals with social needs was a challenge. However, fate intervened as an opportunity emerged locally, aligning with Kinsey’s lifelong desire to ride horses. This newfound chance unfolded just a few months ago, transforming her dreams into a remarkable reality within her reach. The caption of the post reads, “I’ve recently placed 3rd in the Hearst Television Features competition! Hopefully, this story can give you some joy this Christmas. I spent time with a Special Olympics equestrian team in Ithaca this fall. One athlete is beating the odds and taking the reins of her life.”

Embracing equestrian dreams

Kinsey Henry, a gold medalist at the 2018 Special Olympics New York State Summer Games, trained rigorously aiming for gold at the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi. Having competed in the 2017 World Games in Austria, she’s set to represent the USA in athletics for the second time. Admiring Tom Brady for their shared traits of hard work and determination, Kinsey aspires to spread kindness globally.

Read More: Is the Face of Equestrian Sports Undergoing a Radical Transformation in Recent Times?

Special Olympics New York has not only made her more active and confident but also earned her immense community support. Outside sports and work at Hilton Garden Inn in Ithaca, NY, Kinsey enjoys indulging in hobbies like spending time with family, and horses, and watching reality TV shows.

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