Trisha Torre of Indian River County began participating in Special Olympics over 17 years ago.

In addition to being an accomplished athlete, Trisha is a Special Olympics Global Messenger (trained in public speaking and media interviews), an Athlete Input Council Member (giving voice to her fellow athletes) and was selected to represent her peers at the Special Olympics Florida Athlete Congress on two occasions.

When she's not training, competing or volunteering on behalf of Special Olympics, she works at  her neighborhood Publix and makes custom jewelry.

Yet none of these accomplishments compare to what happened to Trisha on April 25, 2009: she became a home owner.

In fact, she became the very first person with intellectual disabilities to earn a Habitat for Humanity home in Indian River County. 

Her mother, Pam, credited Special Olympics for giving Trisha the skills and self-confidence to purse home ownership. Like all other potential Habitat for Humanity home owners, Trisha had to interview before the local Board of Directors. Thanks to the confidence and speaking skills she acquired through Special Olympics Athlete Leadership Programs and Global Messenger training, Trisha "blew them away" and was approved to become a homeowner.

Over the course of several months, she saved the money needed for her down payment and put in over 300 volunteer hours with Habitat for Humanity, both on her own home during its construction, and helping with other home builds and at Habitat's thrift store.

Special Olympics Florida staff, Indian River volunteers and athletes, and fellow associates from the Publix where Trisha works all lent a hand during the building process. Taking the lead on the project was home sponsor Community Church of Vero Beach.

With picture-perfect weather on April 25, Trisha was given the keys to her new home in a ceremony hosted by Indian River Habitat for Humanity. Trisha's mom hopes the positive experience with Trisha will encourage other Habitat for Humanity chapters to consider more individuals with intellectual disabilities (who meet the criteria) for potential home ownership.

Trisha had this to say about Special Olympics: "I love Special Olympics. It has opened so many doors for me and allowed me to meet new friends. I feel accepted and respected for who I am.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Founder of Special Olympics said 'Special Olympics teaches that all human beings are created equal in the sense that each has the capacity and a hunger for moral excellence, for courage, for friendship and for love. Whatever the speed of our feet or the power of our arms, each of us is capable of these highest virtues. Intelligence does not limit love, nor does wealth produce friendship.'

Through Special Olympics, I have known friendship, I have known joy, I have known love from my friends, family and coaches, and I have been given a place to demonstrate courage and learn the personal and life lessons that have given me the self-confidence to have a job, to be a home owner, and to give back to my community.

There are lots of people just like me who have had their lives changed for the better because of Special Olympics."

Go back in time and see Trisha's home as it took shape.

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