An Interview with NSSRA Participant
Ali Shapiro
Ali has been participating with NSSRA since 1997. In that time she has
enrolled in countless programs, special events and Special Olympics
tournaments. Though her social calendar might give the rest of us a run for
our money, it’s the perfect pace for Ali.With hardly a breath in between, she
bounces from bowling to swimming to Gator Basketball (or a half dozen
other sports). Never one to miss a social occasion, she can often be found
at theater performances, the museum and nearly every SRA dance. Ali was
kind enough to answer a few questions for us.
What do you love about NSSRA? I love it all!
NSSRA Participant Mikey and Ali at
Camp Wigwam in Maine last August
What is your favorite program with NSSRA? Basketball,
volleyball, softball... all of them.
Tell us about Camp Wigwam: I like Camp Wigwam. I canoe
and I go in the boat... I love swimming and I love Bob! I have been a
lot of times. I don’t mind the plane. It doesn’t make me nervous. All
of my friends go and it’s fun!
(Ali has been going to Camp Wigwam for decades!)
If someone was starting a program for the first time
and they were nervous, what you would tell them? I
would help them out. Stick with it, get to know everybody and it will
be fun!
Ali and the Gator Volleyball
Team last February
When Ali walks into a program at NSSRA, she immediately lights up the
room with her infectious spirit and unending smile. With a personality as
colorful as her clothes, she is a force of nature and a delight to encounter.
We are so fortunate to have her as part of our community.
NSSRA’s mission is to enrich the lives of people with
disabilities in our partner communities through quality
recreation services.
Ali with NSSRA Staff Jess Thomspon at
the Illinois State Summer Games last
June