PHOENIX — 12News is spotlighting everyday heroes whose actions inspire and strengthen communities.
Read more Woman injured after being thrown from vehicle in central Phoenix, police say
An Arizona woman is making sure 20,000 athletes with disabilities across the state are never left on the sidelines.
Jamie Heckerman has spent the last 16 years turning Special Olympics Arizona (SOAZ) into a powerhouse of inclusion.
“I love getting to go to work every day, seeing our athletes and knowing they have opportunities because of what we do,” Heckerman said.
Heckerman started working with SOAZ in 2010 after playing wheelchair basketball at the University of Arizona and partnering with the nonprofit’s bowling league in Tucson.
“I really just fell in love with our athletes and our population,” Heckerman said. “Of course, the natural synergy between playing sports and being a part of sports. It’s kind of a no-brainer.”
Eight years later, she became the SOAZ President and CEO. Now, she helps serve 20,000 athletes across more than 200 schools. Part of her everyday work involves putting people with and without disabilities on the same team.
“Sports transcends so many things,” Heckerman said. “It doesn’t matter what community you live in. It doesn’t matter what school you go to. Sports is available to anybody and everyone.”
The passion for what she does is something her coworkers say is infectious the moment she enters a room.
Read more Detectives seek public’s help for information on death of elderly bicyclist near West Valley school
“I just think she’s a really incredible woman,” SOAZ Athlete Leadership Assistant Diane Wasley said. “She does so much to help us be able to offer these programs for our developmentally disabled population.”
SOAZ Marketing Communications Manager Tarren Kramer said she appreciates the positive impact Heckerman has on the nonprofit.
“I have really enjoyed working with Jamie [Heckerman],” Kramer said. “She’s been the CEO as long as I’ve been working here. Getting to go to so many events with her and seeing the passion and the excitement she brings. She’s really been able to grow the organization. It’s really cool to see the leadership she’s brought, and the things we have grown across the board. Jamie lends a lot of experience and knowledge. She’s been in the ‘nitty-gritty.’ She’s seen the program. She’s seen everything, from the ground up.”
From offering athletes 22 sports a year to free health screenings at SOAZ events, Heckerman said every second of the hard work is worth it to see the joy it brings to families.
“There’s nobody out there providing a service like this,” Heckerman said. “I get to do something new every day, and see the smiles and joy our athletes have with Special Olympics.”
Special Olympics Arizona holds more than 400 events every year, from August to May.
>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
Read more Man who executed Houston mechanic over $500 repair bill learns his fate after guilty verdict