Countdown to World Games: Meet Leanne Owens

By Steve Helm

Leanne Owens is one of 16 athletes from the state of Texas who left this morning for the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles. Owens is a member of the Special Olympics USA basketball squad, which is comprised of the entire Richardson Roadrunners women’s basketball team. Owens’ mother, Bettina, is also a member of the team, as an assistant coach. 

Special Olympics means “friendship” to Owens, as it offers a place and many opportunities to spend time with her friends. She loves sports, and Special Olympics has given her the chance to learn and play 10 different ones. 

Owens, the 2012 SOTX Female Athlete of the Year, is president of the local ALPs group and is a Global Messenger. 

Back in 1986, Owens was selected as Football Sweetheart by the Richardson High School Football team. She enjoys word searches, needlepoint, jig-saw puzzles and is a Dallas Cowboys fan.