Sawne (pronounced Shawn) “Michael Jackson” Rippey is 23 years old. Upon moving to Arizona, he quickly found a place in Special Olympics. Through participation, Sawne has learned to accept others for who they are, just as other athletes accept him. Sawne has met a strong, positive male role model in one amazing Unified basketball partner, Anthony White. Sawne now considers Anthony like a brother and they have an extraordinary bond. Outside of Special Olympics activities, Sawne enjoys working at Lifetime Fitness. He also loves movies, the Philadelphia Eagles, listening to music and dancing, especially to the music of Michael Jackson, hence his nickname. According to Sawne, World Games selection means "the chance to meet other athletes and partners from around the world and playing my heart out in a sport I love!"
