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 Jenna Montgomery
Being born with intellectual disabilities could have established major stumbling blocks in Jenna Montgomery’s life but instead she has accomplished more at 17-years old than most who are twice her age. When Jenna was in elementary school, her physical therapist recommended she join Special Olympics to get a little exercise and make friends. Over the nearly 10-years Jenna has been an athlete, she has developed both physically and emotionally. She has grown from a wall flower to an outgoing teenager from North Adams who enjoys taking on challenges, meeting new people and traveling.
Jenna and her family view Special Olympics as a blessing and are thankful for the positive changes it has imparted to their lives. When Jenna is with her Special Olympics family she can be herself and feels she does not need to impress anyone. Also, she and her mom have developed a close relationship over the years practicing and training together for upcoming competitions. Jenna is an accomplished skier and her exceptional talents on the slopes earned her a spot on Team USA at the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Idaho. The event was Jenna’s first time competing in Alpine and cross country skiing on the global stage, her first time traveling and her first time winning the gold for Team USA in the 1K race. Another special moment during the competition was when Jenna placed 5th in the 500m on the same day as her mom’s birthday.
When Jenna is not training or competing, she is a freshman at McCann Technical High School in North Adams. She is pursuing studies in the culinary arts and has exceptional grades. Jenna also likes spending time giving back to Special Olympics for all the positive changes it has made in her life. She is a Global Messenger where she enjoys speaking to businesses or large groups about the benefits of being an athlete.
She is a dedicated fundraiser who has participated in the annual Passion Plunge event for seven years on the Greylock Tigers team. Jenna jumps into the icy Atlantic Ocean every February in an effort to raise money for her fellow athletes, and herself. Last year the Greylock Tigers raised nearly $2,000 and this year Jenna and her teammates are looking to surpass that amount at the Plunge on February 26th. To support Jenna or others participating the annual Passion Plunge, click here.
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