Waggoner inducted into the Special Olympics Nebraska Hall of Fame

Earlier this summer, 32-year old Haley Waggoner of Lincoln was inducted into the Special Olympics Nebraska Hall of Fame for her work as an athlete and leader in the organization. She was nominated by coaches, athletes, unified partners and others for this award. 

“It feels really awesome to be recognized for the hard work I have done with tennis and growing as an athlete leader,” she said. “It just shows how far I’ve come.”

Waggoner won a gold medal in the 2018 Special Olympic Games, and silver medals in 2022. She participates in USTA 3.0 and Mixed 6.0 leagues and played in numerous USTA tournaments over the years. She also plays soccer, golf, track and basketball when she is not on the tennis court. She is honored to be inducted into the Special Olympics Nebraska Hall of Fame.

“I’m proud that I reached the highest level in Special Olympics tennis, and was able to play on the USTA team,” she said. “I’ve been able to advocate for myself and other athletes to reach their pertinent goals.”

“Haley has taken her advocacy efforts to a new level by engaging local politicians here in Nebraska to raise awareness and funds for her and her peers,” said Stephanie Sorensen, Director of Health and Community Services for Special Olympics Nebraska. “She uses her voice and inspires fellow athletes to spread the word inclusion.”

The first Special Olympics was in 1968 in Chicago, Illinois. Eunice Kennedy Shriver believed that if people with intellectual disabilities were given the same opportunities and experiences as everyone else, they could accomplish far more than anyone ever thought possible. Now more than six million people compete in over 200 countries. 

For more on Special Olympics Nebraska, click on this link: https://www.sone.org/