Jessy Lane is a dedicated, diligent athlete who doesn't give up easily. That's also how she lost 100 pounds: through steady & consistent training. Now she’s in great shape and thrilled to take her training to her first Special Olympics World Games golfing competition!
Since starting with Special Olympics almost 20 years ago, Jessy has made the best of every putt, of every round. She’s always focused on ways to advance her sports skills, consulting her coaches as well as online resources for suggestions and direction. In addition, one of her favorite forms of practice can be found regularly in the palm of her hand: Nintendo’s “Mario Golf.” The series allows players to build custom characters, network at the clubhouse and practice against professionals.
“I was like, I want to be just like Mario,” explains Jessy.
She’s also excited to be heading to World Games with her longtime Special Olympics unified teammate Lia Feriancek as her caddie. Lia says she is inspired by Jessy’s optimism, both on and off the golf course. “She has the best attitude, is just always seeing the positive in everything. It makes it a joy to golf with her,” says Lia, who competed alongside Jessy in Unified Golf at last year’s USA Games.
Lia, who lived in Berlin for three years working at the global headquarters for a kitesurfing company, has been sharing her knowledge of the German language with Jessy. For Lia, her return to Berlin for the Special Olympics World Games is a proud one for her entire family. Her uncle, who had Down syndrome, competed in the 1983 Special Olympics World Games in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Four decades later, Lia will also be going to a World Games—as a volunteer.
Being involved with Special Olympics has provided Jessy with an avenue to stay physically fit and practice her social skills. In addition to training with Special Olympics, Jessy attends workout classes at Orangetheory Fitness. All this helped her lose those 100 pounds!
“I’m very blessed to have so many people supporting me. They’re my friends, they’re my family, so is Lia.”
A reflection of her bright outlook on life, Jessy is drawn to bright colors, especially when they’re found in a floral bouquet. For the past 16 years, Jessy has worked at Little Red Hen’s Floral Store, employed as a senior staff assistant and lead floral designer. After graduating from high school, she earned her certificate in floral design at Butte College. To promote her skills, she volunteers to work at bridal, home and garden shows.
With an innate ability to find positivity and beauty in everything, Jessy always sees a brighter future ahead.
