Name: Peter Flemming

Age: 52

Local Program: Manchester

Sports:  Alpine skiing, athletics & bowling

Growing up I wanted to be active but I always ended up sitting on the couch. In my head I wanted something to do, something that was fun. I wanted to be involved with the community but did not know how.  Then I found Special Olympics!

Special Olympics has helped me become confident and outgoing. Today, I am very involved in my community!  I am a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus.  I have been on the local radio station in Manchester WMNH 95.3 to talk about Special Olympics. I am also the President of the Rising Stars, which is a social and advocacy group in Manchester that helps people become fulfilled members of the community by creating opportunities for a good life. I would not be able to do all this if it wasn't for Special Olympics and the way it challenges you to be a better version of yourself.  

I am not only an athlete but I also coach Track & Field for the Manchester Local Program. It is such a great opportunity to teach other athletes what I learned from Special Olympics.  I like to pass down the knowledge that I have to others.  My goal, as a coach, is to teach athletes to never give up.

Name: Chris Panarese

Age: 37

Sports: Athletics, basketball, bowling & swimming

My favorite Special Olympics memory was in 2014 when I was selected to be on Team New Hampshire at the USA Games in New Jersey. It was an experience to remember! I got to swim at Princeton University...not many people can say that they swam at a well-known school like Princeton. It love to tell people that I've done that!