Ashley Thompson of Germantown, Maryland, has spent the past 20 years training in kayaking. She has participated in Special Olympics for 25 years in Alpine skiing, bowling, kayaking and soccer. She will represent Special Olympics USA in kayaking. Ashley is inspired by Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s leadership and had the opportunity to meet Timothy Shriver, leader of the Special Olympics International Board of Directors. She also admires her siblings, who are also active in sports activities.
As part of her high school curriculum, Ashley attended two years of courses at Montgomery College in Rockville, Maryland. For the past nine years, Ashley has been employed in the bakery at a local Wegmans Food Markets location. She has also been volunteering as a classroom teacher’s aide for 16 years and at a senior facility alongside her service dog.
Ashley is proud to represent Special Olympics USA and Special Olympics Maryland, which have provided her a community to learn and excel in sports.