In June of 2014 Trevor Chester had his first opportunity to compete on a national stage for the Special Olympics. Chester then 38, brought home two gold medals winning in bowling and bocce ball. “Bowling is my favorite,” Chester said.
Trevor Chester recalling his experiences in the Special Olympics. Photo by Elona MyftarajThe Special Olympic Games were held in Princeton, N.J. and Chester was one of four people from Centre County in over 3,000 athletes to compete in the games.
The Special Olympics is a global organization with programs in over 200 countries with millions of athletes, volunteers and million coaches, with absolutely no cost to the athletes or their families. Trevor’s mom, Diane Chester, is proud of her son and all of his accomplishments, “Trevor was our miracle baby,” Chester said.
Director of the Joseph Kennedy Foundation, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, pushed for research and programs to aid people with disabilities. Her work led to the creation of the Special Olympics in 1968. “We actually got to meet Eunice Kennedy Shriver, it was amazing,” Chester said.
Family Fun Day
Trevor and his family enjoy a game of golf together. Trevor proudly displays all of his awards earned through Special Olympics.
Trevor has been a part of Special Olympics since elementary school and continued to take part in the competitions even after his family moved from their hometown of Bloomingdale, PA to Centre County.