Meet Athlete Alyssa O’Connor – An Athlete Corner Profile
A journey of inclusion – Alyssa and her involvement with Unified Champion Schools (UCS) and Special Olympics NY.
This past February 2024, athlete Alyssa O’Connor was part of a six-member delegation from New York representing Special Olympics at “Capitol Hill Day” in Washington, D.C. They came together to discuss the importance of Special Olympics with elected officials of the House and Senate. This longstanding event, organized by Special Olympics, draws over 250 participants and volunteers from forty-seven states and the District of Columbia.
The New York group included three representatives from Guilderland High School Unified coach Alison Relyea, alongside athlete Alyssa O’Connor and partner Cole Miller. They, as members of Guilderland High Schools – Unified Champion School joined to speak on behalf of Special Olympics NY and UCS programming needs for funding.
Alyssa is a 2024 senior of Guilderland High School, and became a unified athlete three years ago, when her teacher, mentor, and coach, Mrs. Relyea, invited her to join the unified bowling team.
Alyssa participates in unified bocce and unified physical education (UPE), but bowling remains her favorite sport. “It just makes me feel included,” said Alyssa. “And it makes me feel like I am part of a whole team. Like my team has my back and helps me and I help them. I like helping too and I really want more.”
When asked about the impact of being a unified athlete on her life, Alyssa shared, “I feel like I have evolved around a lot of things, and it just feels normal. It feels good … the hallways are great because I have great friends and great teachers.” In addition to unified athletics and physical education, Alyssa also competes in Special Olympics NY State Games.
Alyssa rides horseback every week and her goal after high school is to become a Special Olympics Equestrian rider.
Alyssa is currently the Chief Ambassador for Canstruction Capital District. She did a Canstruction build at Crossgates mall this past April. She is also now a Senior Ambassador Girl Scout. With Students for Inclusion Club, she did a leadership program last year and again this year. She took part in the Special Olympics NY Polar Plunge last year raising over $700 and is going to again on November 23.
In Alyssa’s spare time, she works at her workstation at home where she takes apart items and finds out how they work and then scraps the metal for money. This summer her task was taking apart our old tankless water heater. She also loves to fish and kayaking and enjoys photography taking pictures with her 35-millimeter camera.
Check out her truly impactful and powerful testimonial she gave to our United States elected officials here.
Alyssa’s school, Guilderland High School, has been recognized as a national Unified Champion School (covering the years 2022 to 2026 and 2019). Members of the Guilderland Unified program gathered above around the banner after its unveiling by Special Olympics New York Unified Director Leigh Howard. Unified teams consist of athletes with and without disabilities.
Our Special Olympics athletes dedicate countless hours to training, competing, and striving for greatness.
However, reaching the peak of their success often requires more than just talent and determination; it also requires vital financial support.
Your contribution can significantly influence their path to achievement.
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