“It is important to spread the word about health with other athletes because many Special Olympic athletes struggle with basic health needs.” Paavlena
Paavlena (Paav) was inspired to get involved with Special Olympics Health Messengers in 2020. She wanted to motivate other individuals like her to become healthier. It is important to Paav that athletes learn the importance of respecting their minds and bodies.
Paav started her Special Olympics journey in Florida, where she competed in swimming and gymnastics. She moved to Arizona and joined Special Olympics Athlete Leadership, and Health Messengers. One of Paav’s proudest moments was being selected as the Health Representative for Arizona at Special Olympics USA Games, Florida in 2022. She served as a vital support and health resource for the athletes who were competing at the games. She motivated the athletes to stay safe at the competitions, drink water, and avoid excessive sun exposure. Paav was a strong mind for Arizona athletes. She encouraged them to set personal goals at competitions and reminded them to stay positive throughout events. Paav also reminded the athletes to visit the Healthy Athletes® screening booths as a way to take preventative care action for themselves.
When not spreading health knowledge or breaking records in swimming, Paav enjoys dancing, singing, fashion, music, arts, and spending time with family and friends. Being around people brings motivation and energy to Paav. Lastly, let us not forget that coffee is the most important thing in the morning for Paavlena.
Health Messengers 2023
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Boniface Kimeu
Special Olympics Kenya -
Joyce Ramabusa
Special Olympics South Africa -
Ndèye Rokhaya Gaye
Special Olympics Senegal -
Juliwati Japi
Special Olympics Indonesia -
Nguyen Ngoc Bao Tran
Special Olympics Vietnam -
Li Yan Ho
Special Olympics Hong Kong -
Tina Sirui Jia
Special Olympics China -
Janka Weber
Special Olympics Germany -
Michaela Duchova
Special Olympics Slovakia -
Peter Ispold
Special Olympics Slovakia -
Reynaldo Montova
Special Olympics Germany -
Catalina Cervantes Gamboa
Special Olympics Costa Rica -
Erika Maradiaga Soler
Special Olympics Honduras -
Gabriela Patricia Velásquez Rodríguez
Special Olympics El Salvador -
Paavlena Madhivana
Special Olympics Arizona -
Travis Sherrer
Special Olympics Alaska -
Katherine Elizabeth Little
Special Olympics British Columbia
