Fox Valley teen glides her way to Gold!

Sarah Bak, 13, has a smile that is absolutely contagious when she is on the ice.  Bak recently competed in the Special Olympic state games and skated away with a Gold medal.  Skating seems to come naturally to this active teen, who also happens to have Down syndrome.

The first time she went skating, her parents,  Dan and Lora,  knew she had a gift.   “Sarah was just 4 years old the first time she put on skates.  She stood up, and walked right out on the ice, held her stance and waited.  We couldn’t believe it!  Dan and I looked at each other in amazement.  She did great and has been skating ever since!” says her mother.

Her parents enrolled her in group lessons, and later, individual lessons when she began preparing for Special Olympics which she could begin at age 8.   In her five years worth of State competition, Bak has landed 2 Gold, 2 Bronze and 1 Silver medal.

Sarah practices every week year round and is highly determined and dedicated to the sport she loves.   “Her can-do attitude has always helped her accomplish so much.    We just help to open the doors and she runs with it!”  Sarah is a participant in various programs at GiGi’s Playhouse Fox Valley including Teen Tastic and Family Night.

Congratulations Sarah!  We can’t wait to see what you will do next!