Editor’s Note: This is the second in a series of heroes from their hometowns — natives of southern New Mexico who perform feats of heroism or otherwise serve as inspiration. In 2022 we will put one hero from the hometown in the spotlights every month. Send an email to LRomero@lcsun-news.com to nominate someone.
LAS CRUCES – Jenny Matsler of Las Cruces has collected dozens of medals during her years at Special Olympics New Mexico. This summer, she will get her first chance to compete in the state’s boules national games in Orlando, Florida.
Jenny, 43, was born with Williams syndrome. It is a chromosomal disorder that causes developmental delays and other medical problems. Her stepmother, Nila Matsler, said that Jenny functions very well, adding that the condition also means she is very sociable.
“She’s never met a stranger,” Nila said.
Jenny competed in the New Mexico Special Olympics when she was young, but came back to it when she was about 22. She has been active ever since. The sporting events she has participated in range widely from softball and basketball to swimming, bowling and bocce. The Special Olympics also includes events such as cheerleading, golf, surfing, volleyball and equestrian sports.
“Her father and I thought she needed her own friends, her own life, her own world,” Nila said.
Over the years, Jenny has earned 31 gold medals, 27 silver and three bronze medals, many of which come from pétanque competitions.
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Special Olympics New Mexico announced their national team in September 2021. Twenty athletes will travel to Orlando for the games to be held June 5-12. Jenny is one of four athletes and a coach from the Las Cruces region. The others are Tyler Tracy (bocce), Megan Moberly (bowling), Jeremy Sills (bowling), and Ronda Norfleet (bowling coach).
“It’s my dream come true,” Jenny said.
Chick-Fil-A cookie sale to help athletes
According to Brittany Scanlon, corporate relations manager for Special Olympics New Mexico, Chick-fil-A approached the organization last year about a state-wide partnership. This year they ran a campaign, “Cookies for Champions,” featuring special Olympic athletes in New Mexico. A portion of the company’s cookie sales in February will be donated to the state organization. Chick-fil-A has committed to $60,000.
Twelve athletes were selected to represent the 12 restaurant locations in the state. Jenny and Andrew Kegel were chosen from Las Cruces for the area’s two restaurant locations. Scanlon said Kegel will not be going to the US games this year, but he has competed in world games before.
Photos of the two athletes will be on display at the Las Cruces Chick-fil-As throughout the month to promote cookie sales. The company will also be the presenting sponsor at the State Summer Games in Albuquerque.
Prepare for the games
Meanwhile, athletes are preparing for the June competitions. Each will be given matching uniforms and given Fitbits to aid in the training process.
“It’s really serious for (the athletes). Nice, but very serious,” Nila said.
Due to COVID-19, athletes will only participate in one sporting event. Since announcing her placement on the bocce team, Jenny said she was training — and talking about her upcoming adventure. She also started physical therapy at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers to ensure she is in top shape during the summer.
Athletes also get the chance to spend time at Walt Disney World Resort during their trip, which also involves a lot of walking.
Nila praised Special Olympics New Mexico for what they are doing to support the community of people with disabilities in the state. She added that she would like parents to understand how important it can be for people with disabilities to get involved in a program like Special Olympics.
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When she’s not practicing, Jenny works at the pawn shop owned by her father, Traderman Pawn. She said what she likes about both of her outlets is meeting people and making friends. This summer, she looks forward to competing for her parents and sister and connecting with other athletes from all 50 states and Caribbean countries.
Leah Romero is the trending reporter at the Las Cruces Sun-News and can be reached at 575-418-3442, LRomero@lcsun-news.com or @rromero_leah on Twitter.