Kerry Morency, 40, has taken her place on the podium more than 125 times in her nearly 30 years of participation with Special Olympics New Hampshire. But what she has gained goes beyond a vast collection of ribbons and medals from area and statewide competition.

Morency is a voice for the athletes of Special Olympics through her role as a Global Messenger and a symbol of spirit and determination exemplified in the name of her Local Program - Team Challenger - named in honor of the Space Shuttle Challenger.

Kerry Morency began competing in basketball with SONH when she was 12-years-old. She now competes year-round - bocce in the summer, bowling in the fall, cross-country skiing in the winter and Unified golf in the spring with her dad and coach Dave Morency.

She said Special Olympics helps athletes with intellectual disabilities be able to express themselves and provides opportunities for athletes and their families to feel pride.

"Special Olympics means a lot to me and it means anyone who has a [intellectual] disability because they can be part of Special Olympics and compete for gold medals and ribbons and be who they are as an athlete and enjoy themselves," Kerry Morency said.

Dave Morency said he has gotten as much out of coaching over the last two decades as his daughter has out of participating. "I really enjoy it and I encourage other people to get into it because once you get into it you become addicted to it," Dave Morency said. "I get more out of it then I put into it."