Z has been very active this spring in her role as a Global Messenger for the Special Olympics. The activities and speaking events in which she usually engages have heightened due to the 50th anniversary of Special Olympics. Though this achievement is being celebrated globally, many of the key events will be centralized here in… Continue reading Celebrating 50 Years of Special Olympics
It is impossible to engage with Z without recognizing the important role her mother (Simyra) has played in her growth and her advocacy. From early education and advocating for her daughter's rights, to homeschooling, to moving out of the city, and playing personal chauffeur for all of Z's many activities, Simyra has done everything possible… Continue reading peas in a pod
Zinyra expressed an early interest in nature and animals. As any devoted parent would, her mother made sure to provide every opportunity to learn about these topics through books and by visiting the zoo. In fact, it was at Brookfield Zoo that Z spoke her first word ("cat"), while standing in front of a tiger… Continue reading Z at the zoo
You know how characters in cartoons and comics will often be depicted with "word bubbles" above their heads to indicate speech or thoughts? Before Zinyra was verbal, she was thinking thoughts and feeling emotions just like anyone else--but she wasn't able to voice them. Imagine how frustrating that must be for a person. When Z… Continue reading word bubbles
On March 2, 2018, Z joined several leaders from the Special Olympics and the City of Chicago to break ground on the Eternal Flame of Hope, a permanent monument highlighting 50 years of Special Olympics at the birthplace of events: Soldier Field.
Just Z 