Dreams Come True

The Special Olympics of Mississippi surprised a native of Meridian, Jaycelyn Collins, today with an invitation that made her dreams come true.

Crestwood Elementary's Jaycelyn Collins received a very special surprise. Friends, family, faculty, and students gathered to surprise Collins with an invitation to participate in the Special Olympics this upcoming summer.

For Collins, swimming is a place where she can let go of outside noise and becoming one with the water.

“When I get in the water, I get soaked into the moment”, said Jaycelyn . “Swimming is my safety net, to be free, to be happy, to be whatever I need to be.”

Sara Gunter, a representative from the Olympics, was not new to Jaycelyn’s amazing personality. Gunter invited Jaycelyn to compete in the 2018 special Olympics where she won bronze and gold.

“I love the fact that she has not only grown as an athlete, but you get to see her grow in personality and as a person”, stated Gunter. “Jayce is one of the most caring people I’ve ever met I couldn’t imagine anyone more deserving than Jayce.”

Jaycelyn’s dad, Joe Collins, who is also her coach along with her mother has instilled in her to be the best she can be at whatever she does.

“She absolutely loves the interaction. The Special Olympics as a whole and swimming specifically for us gives so many of the kids and young adults the opportunity they would never have; like Jayce going to the national meet in Orlando. As you can tell she is somewhat excited about the chance to go. ”-Joe Collins

The Special Olympics will be held in Orlando next year in June, and Jaycelyn will be there to compete in the swimming event.