January 12, 2009 began like any other for Special Olympics New Jersey athlete Aadita Arulalan as laced up her skates, took several deep breaths and skated onto the ice. With each glide forward, her momentum, her confidence escalates. She readies for a jump sequence, which requires consistent rhythm, proper control and balance. Her muscles familiar with the steps and hops that connect each jump, she took off. But this landing was different.
“I broke my tibia bone,” explained Aadita. “I was in a cast and wheelchair for six months… It was scary, but I had the confidence to get back on the ice.”
During the months she spent in recovery, she worked to strengthen her physical and emotional endurance. To cope with the anxieties of returning to the rink, Aadita practiced her breathing exercises. Taking a deep breath in, she counts slowly to five. She holds her inhale, then exhales. Through this repetitive process, her nervous system settles, and her mind regains clarity. Breathwork is a crucial part of her figure skating training, a sport she has been dedicated to since she was 6 years old.
At age 13, Aadita began participating locally with Special Olympics in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, also training in athletics, basketball, bowling, soccer and swimming. Two years later, she was diagnosed with a mood disorder in addition to her autism diagnosis. Despite struggling with sleep, focus and emotional stability, her mother continued to drive Aadita to the rink. The hours of skating, coupled with therapy and medication, became the exact remedy she needed. Now 26 years old, her commitment has earned her a spot representing Special Olympics USA in figure skating at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy.
“I truly enjoy being on the ice and skating around the rink,” said Aadita. “It has helped me through difficult times. My love for skating has grown over the past 20 years and I encourage others to try it too.”
What she has learned on the ice, she now shares with those around her. In 2023, Aadita was appointed to a two-year term on the Special Olympics New Jersey Athlete Leadership Council, where she represents the voices of athletes statewide. Her extensive leadership experience also includes twice attending Special Olympics’ Capitol Hill Day, leading face-to-face meetings with Members of Congress to encourage their support of inclusive education and health initiatives for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
“I told them about how, during the pandemic, I participated in the Total Body Challenge virtual fitness sessions,” shared Aadita. “The sessions kept me active. Learning nutrition tips helped me pick healthy choices. I learned mindfulness techniques, like yoga, breathing and meditation. It helps me stay calm.”
Her family also serves as a great source of comfort, providing an environment that fosters safe growth. And since many of her family members live in India, Aadita’s birthplace, she feels reenergized in her visits with them. But at home, in New Jersey, the nostalgic tastes of her favorite Indian sweets can put her at ease. And when these methods need backup, she starts to paint. Watercolor shapes become flowers, become anime characters, become a sense of peace.
In her relationships, her art and her sport, she transforms challenges faced to personal growth. As she continues to skate, speak and lead, she proves that with confidence, and a breath of calm, anything is possible.