PERRY, FL (WTXL) - Volunteerism is a way to give back in your community.
In Taylor County, Leslee Sunderland has spent 8 years empowering Special Olympic Athletes to achieve their dreams.
Christine Souders shows us why you, our viewers nominated Leslee Sunderland as December's Difference Maker
"Salute. Good job! You did it! You did awesome!," said Leslee Sunderland, Volunteer & Director of Taylor County Special Olympics.
It's those words of encouragment that motivates athletes to jump, run and compete in Special Olympics.
"To see their faces when they get the medals. The acceptance. That makes it all worth it," said Sunderland.
Dalton Browning has been on the Taylor County team for six years and he knows his routines like the back of his hand...
"I try to do my best," said Dalton Browning, Special Olympics Athlete.
But that air of confidence wasn't always there says Dalton's Grandmother..
"He was very quiet, very shy, hardly talk to no one. He was just very non-social," said Doris Neel, Dalton's Grandmother.
She said that changed after two years of being on the team.
"He was talking to everybody and doing everything that everyone else was doing. So it's just been amazing," Neel said.
Coaching him all the way has been Leslee Sunderland.
She spends countless hours busing dozens of athletes to events across state and coaching weekly in the gym.
Leslee Sunderland is a constant, always cheering from the sidelines.
Leslee Sunderland said she puts in all those hours to watch her athletes reach their goals.
"We're trying to teach them and get them ready for the real world," said Sunderland.
Dalton Browning has even made plans to attend college.
"Had they not come into his life, I don't know where he would be now," Doris Neel said.
That support system.
That team, an extended family.
"When you come into Special Olympics, we're not just an organization. In Taylor County, they all know their family. Lot of the athletes call me mom or auntie," Sunderland said.
She loves them like her own kids.
Well now it's their turn to be *her cheerleader...
"She's awesome."
"She cares about everybody."
"She's the best coach."
"They make me want to make the world a better place. There's too much hate in the world and with them they have unconditional love and I wish everybody would have," Sunderland said.
On and off the gym mat, Leslee Sunderland and her Special Olympics team, show we all can make a difference.
That's why Leslee Sunderland is December's Difference Maker.
If you want to get involved reach out to Special Olympics in your county.
Athletes must be at least 8-years-old but there's no age limit.
if you know a difference maker, send us an email to abc27news@wtxl.tv.
Difference Makers airs every First Friday at 6 a.m. on Sunrise and again at 6 p.m.
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