Play With Your Heart - Alexa's Gala Speech

Hi my name is Alexa Donato. I am the youngest of 3 older siblings, their names are Kara, Michael, and Gianna. I started getting into sports when I was in 5th grade, when I started getting into sports I knew I wanted to keep doing it, because I had so much fun competing. When I got into High School I wanted to jump back into competing in Special Olympics as a Freshman, but I got sidelined with an injury that kept me out for 6 months. I was really sad I couldn’t do it, but I got support from my parents, siblings, and also my teachers. I am so grateful that they helped out and made everyday so much easier for me to get from class to class.

When I first heard about GiGi’s playhouse my Mom and I were walking outside and talking about getting a summer job and experience for me to get into the sports area administration specifically in data entry. GiGi’s helped me overcome my shyness because I will admit I am shy sometimes, but not always. They always don’t want you to do anything you don’t want to do that makes you uncomfortable. I have definitely learned alot from Shannon, she taught me how to do Salesforce, also I have been in a couple of videos including TikTok and Instagram, and an exercise program for the entire GiGi’s network. I recently did a Rap video for a Youtube show. Shannon is an awesome person to work with, I have worked with her for the past 3 years. I have been a part of the 50th anniversary for Special Olympics, I was on team USA for the girls soccer. When I was doing the 50th anniversary I was picked to be in a Clif bar video. “ I learned to never give up and just try to stay focused. Just play with your heart”

~ Alexa, Advocate & Volunteer