Special Olympics rhythmic gymnast Sara Abbott is used to beating
the odds. When she was an infant, doctors said she would never
walk or talk; she was not supposed to live past the age of 30;
and three years ago, she weighed well over 300 pounds. Three
years ago Sara weighed well over 300 pounds and today, because
of the power of sport, at age 37, she is 150 lbs. lighter.
Abbott has a rare genetic disorder, Prader-Willi Syndrome, which
results in intellectual disability, and is frequently associated
with insatiable appetite, low metabolism, and subsequent
obesity. Yet today, at age 37, she is 150 lbs. lighter and took
home three gold and two silver medals at the summer 2010 Special
Olympics USA National Games in Lincoln, NE. Abbott and her
family credit her physical transformation to the dedication and
support of the Special Olympics Minnesota coaching staff and the
rigorous training schedule for her ball, ribbon, rope and hoop
gymnastic routines. For Abbott and others just like her, Special
Olympics is about