Sauquoit Valley's Marraffa perseveres through obstacles to shine in Special Olympics competition

Lauren Marraffa, a senior at an inclusion program at Sauquoit Valley High School, has competed in seven Special Olympic sports, and has won multiple medals.

That highlights perseverance and inspiration.

It is anything but the typical path of a student-athlete - and is nothing short of extraordinary.

Lauren marraffa of the oneida- herkimer-madison boces inclusion program at sauquoit valley high school was born with down syndrome and by all accounts had to work harder than many of her peers to get through school and athletics - but she never let it get in her way.

Lauren has participated in seven different sports in the special olympics throughout her career - including figure skating - golf - bocce - horseback riding - bowling and basketball.

An all-around athlete she has won gold medals in the new york state special olympic winter games for figure skating and a gold metal in the special olympic summer games for the 25 meter women's butterfly in swimming.

She has also been an ambassador for the special olympics and has volunteered at fundraisers.

A leader in the special olympics community locally - she has participated in the torch run through central new york for the past several years.

Following high school - marraffa has accepted a position to work for a pre- vocational program through the arc at a cafe and bakery called chef's express.

Lauren hopes to continue her athletic career with special olympics.

Her goal is to compete at the national and perhaps international level in either swimming or figure skating.

Congrats lauren!

Be right back.