Amanda Vito of Penfield, New York, has competed in Special Olympics for the past 20 years in athletics, basketball, bowling, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, soccer, softball and swimming. She will represent Special Olympics USA in golf. Overcoming her fear of public speaking, Amanda advocates for Special Olympics as a Global Messenger. She has competed in athletics at two Special Olympics USA Games and in one Special Olympics USA Games in golf. This will be her first time competing in a Special Olympics World Games.
Some of her most notable accomplishments include throwing the first pitch at a minor league baseball game, making the honor roll at a student and presenting an award to Special Olympics Chairman Timothy Shriver, honoring Eunice Kennedy Shriver. She is employed as a daycare assistant at a local YMCA, where she likes to exercise. Amanda looks up to fellow Special Olympics USA athlete Loretta Claiborne, who inspires her to do her best.