Name: Zoya Tavallai

Age: 25

Local Program: Merrimack Tigers

Sports: Athletics & Bowling

What is your favorite sport?
My favorite sport is bowling.  I absolutely love it!  I like to think that I am a professional bowler at heart. I got into bowling because of my brother, Darius, who is also an athlete. I saw him practice and participate in bowling tournaments and I wanted to follow in his footsteps. This has been a great way to spend time with Darius and create a bond that cannot be broken.

What does Special Olympics mean to you?
At Special Olympics it is all about the athletes and making sure that they are successful in life. Even though you are competing for a medal and want to win; you will always have fun no matter the outcome. It is not all about winning; it is about interacting with others and learning to love yourself for you who are. Everyone who has been a part of this journey shows so much love, joy and commitment.

What is your favorite Special Olympics memory?
My favorite memory took place at Summer Games last year on Friday night after the relay race. I pulled out my selfie stick that I brought with me and took a selfie with the Merrimack Police Department!  I posted it on Facebook and then after the games I made them a copy and delivered it to the police station where they hung it up in their office. I have a great bond with them; they even asked me to be part of the Merrimack Police Dept Winni Dip team this year! I'm going to do it next year with them too. They are amazing people and I love being around them .

I believe that one of the best things about Special Olympics for the athletes is the relationship that we have with Law Enforcement.  Those guys and girls have been amazing and you can always count on them to be there for us; they are our best friends!