Las Cruces Special Olympian headed to the USA games this summer
Editor's note: This is the second in a series of hometown heroes — southern New Mexico residents who complete acts of heroism or otherwise serve as an inspiration. We'll feature one hometown hero a month in 2022. To nominate someone, email LRomero@lcsun-news.com.
LAS CRUCES – Jenny Matsler of Las Cruces has collected dozens of medals during her years involved with Special Olympics New Mexico. This summer, she will get her first opportunity to compete during the national games in Orlando, Florida on the state’s bocce team.
Jenny, 43, was born with Williams Syndrome. It is a chromosomal disorder that causes developmental delays and other medical problems. Her stepmother, Nila Matsler, said Jenny is very high functioning and added that the disorder also means she is highly social.
“She’s never met a stranger, ever,” Nila said.
Jenny participated some with Special Olympics New Mexico during her younger years but came back to it when she was about 22. She has been active ever since. The sporting events she has participated in range widely from softball and basketball to swimming, bowling and bocce. The Special Olympic Games also include events such as cheerleading, golf, surfing, volleyball and equestrian sports.
“Her dad and I thought that she needed to have her own friends, her own life, her own world,” Nila said.
Over the years Jenny has earned 31 gold medals, 27 silver and three bronze — many of which she said are from bocce competitions.
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Special Olympics New Mexico announced their national team in September 2021. Twenty athletes will get to travel to Orlando for the games which will be held June 5-12. Jenny is one of four athletes and one coach from the Las Cruces area. The others include Tyler Tracy (bocce), Megan Moberly (bowling), Jeremy Sills (bowling) and Ronda Norfleet (bowling coach).
“It’s my dream come true,” Jenny said.
Chick-Fil-A cookie sales to help athletes
According to Brittany Scanlon, corporate relations manager for Special Olympics New Mexico, Chick-fil-A approached the organization last year about a statewide partnership. This year, they organized a campaign, "Cookies for Champions," featuring Special Olympic athletes in New Mexico. A portion of the business’ cookie sales during February will be donated to the state organization. Chick-fil-A committed to $60,000.
Twelve athletes were selected to represent the 12 restaurant locations in the state. Jenny and Andrew Kegel were chosen from Las Cruces for the area’s two restaurant locations. Scanlon said Kegel will not be going to the USA games this year, but he has participated in world games previously.
Photos of the two athletes will be featured at the Las Cruces Chick-fil-As throughout the month to promote cookie sales. The company will also be the presenting sponsor at the state summer games in Albuquerque.
Preparing for the games
In the meantime, athletes are preparing for the June games. Each will receive matching uniforms and were given Fitbits to help with the training process.
“It's really serious to (the athletes). Fun, but very serious,” Nila said.
Due to COVID-19, athletes will compete only in one sporting event. Since the announcement of her placement on the bocce team, Jenny said she has been training — and talking about her upcoming adventure. She also started physical therapy at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers to ensure she is in top form come summertime.
Athletes will also have the chance to spend time at Walt Disney World Resort on their trip, which involves lots of walking as well.
Nila praised Special Olympics New Mexico for what they do to support the community of people in the state living with disabilities. She added that she would like parents to understand how impactful it can be for people with disabilities to get involved in such a program as Special Olympics.
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When she’s not practicing, Jenny is working at her father’s pawn shop, Traderman Pawn. She said what she enjoys of both her outlets is meeting people and making friends. This summer, she’s looking forward to competing in front of her parents, sister and making connections with fellow athletes from across all 50 states and Caribbean countries.
Leah Romero is the trending reporter at the Las Cruces Sun-News and can be reached at 575-418-3442, LRomero@lcsun-news.com or @rromero_leah on Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Las Cruces Special Olympian headed to the USA games this summer
