Countdown to World Games: Meet Jessie Kuykendall
By
Steve Helm
Twenty-seven years after getting involved as a Special Olympics athlete, Jessie Kuykendall, 35, is headed to her first World Games.
Her involvement with Special Olympics began while in the school system at eight years old. Kuykendall was active in Track and Field, Bowling, and Basketball. When her family moved to the League City area, she decided she would like to try Sailing and Kayaking.
Since joining the Space Rockets sailing team three years ago, Kuykendall has loved every minute of it.
The joy she has found through sailing has landed her on Special Olympics USA’s Sailing team for this year’s World Games in Los Angeles.
From the time she got selected to the team back in September, Kuykendall has been more careful with her diet and works out at a gym three days a week to build strength and stamina.
Kuykendall is also staying up-to-date on news about the Games by making daily visits to the Special Olympics World Games website.
“I am happy to be part of the Special Olympics team for the USA," Kuykendall said. "I’m looking forward to sailing with my team members, doing my best and meeting new people from around theworld".
