Loretta Claiborne facts for kids
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| Born | August 14, 1953 York, Pennsylvania |
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| Occupation | Athlete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Country | USA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sport | Mile run, Bowling, Figure Skating | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Loretta Claiborne is an amazing American athlete and speaker. She competes in many sports at the Special Olympics. In 1996, she received the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. This special award was given to her by the famous actor Denzel Washington. Loretta was also the first Special Olympics athlete chosen for the Special Olympics International Board of Directors. This is a very important leadership role.
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Loretta Claiborne's Early Life
Loretta Claiborne was born on August 14, 1953. Her hometown is York, Pennsylvania. She was one of seven children. Her mother, Rita Claiborne, raised them all by herself.
Loretta was born with some challenges. She was partially blind and had clubbed feet. She also had an intellectual disability. Doctors suggested her mother place her in a special institution. But Rita Claiborne bravely decided to raise Loretta at home.
Loretta had surgeries when she was young. These helped correct her feet and vision. She could not walk until she was four years old. She learned to talk when she was seven. Her mother's love and care helped her overcome these early difficulties.
Becoming a Special Olympics Athlete
When Loretta was 17, a school counselor had a great idea. They suggested she join the new Special Olympics program. Loretta decided to try it.
She competed as a runner in the 1970 Special Olympics. This was where she won her very first medal as an athlete. This moment changed her life.
Loretta has run in over 25 marathons. She even finished in the top 100 women twice at the famous Boston Marathon. Her dedication to running is truly inspiring.
Loretta's Many Sports and Achievements
Loretta Claiborne is a very talented athlete. She has a black belt in karate. She has been competing in the Special Olympics since 1970. She continues to train in many different sports.
These sports include:
- Running
- Figure skating
- Soccer
- Skiing
- Golf
- Basketball
- Softball
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Bowling
Loretta has received many awards for her efforts. In 1981, she won the Spirit of Special Olympics award. In 1988, she was named the state athlete of the year. She also serves on the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Board of Directors. In 2007, she rejoined the Special Olympics International Board of Directors.
In May 2009, a special portrait was shown. It was at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery (United States) in Washington, D.C. The portrait honored Eunice Kennedy Shriver. She was the founder of the Special Olympics. Loretta Claiborne was featured in this painting. She was shown with other Special Olympics athletes. The painting was created by artist David Lenz.
Loretta continued to be very active as she got older. In 2013, at age 60, she focused on inspiring others. By 2019, at 65, she was still competing in ten sports each year.
Honors and Recognition
Loretta Claiborne has been recognized for her amazing life. She has received three honorary doctorate degrees. These came from Quinnipiac University, Villanova University, and York College of Pennsylvania.
In 1996, she received the Arthur Ashe Courage Award from ESPN. This award celebrates athletes who show great courage. In 2000, a Disney television film was made about her life. It was called The Loretta Claiborne Story.
In 2001, a building in her hometown was named after her. The Loretta Claiborne Building in York, Pennsylvania, is a medical and educational facility. This shows how much her community respects her.
Loretta Claiborne's life story is a powerful example. It shows how determination and spirit can help you achieve great things.
