Sherrie Andrus’ life motto is “I can, I will, I did.” This is a motto that she has lived her life by and continues to do so. Now retired, Sherrie was the Special Olympics coordinator for Columbus schools. Responsible for setting up training for athletes, ensuring that the athletes meet specific criteria for eligibility as well as finding volunteer coaches, event assistants, and funds to support the program.

Inspired by her son, Jason, who has Down syndrome, Sherrie’s program began in 1986 with a mere six track and field athletes and has since grown the program to over 750 plus athletes spanning 11 different sports. In 2003, her son Jason brought home two gold medals at the Special Olympics World Games in Ireland.

As if her work with the Special Olympics weren’t enough, Sherrie also finds time to volunteer at Faith Mission, Westminster Thurber Nursing Home, and also holds an annual heart drive in her neighborhood. Outside of Sherrie’s volunteer work, she helps during her children’s sporting practices and games.

To ensure that she had the time to balance both her work and family life, Sherrie entrusted team responsibilities to the coaches of the individual teams, finally realizing that she doesn’t need to be at each and every practice and sporting event. She makes a continuous effort to show her family how much she cares about them by hosting special events such as slumber parties and trips to the mall.

Getting Columbus Schools Special Olympics to the point where it is has been no easy task. It has been especially difficult getting people to understand that handicapped children in her community were capable of being a part of the Special Olympics. For Sherrie, it’s been about breaking down barriers and perceptions and trying to get the schools to change their opinions of what the athletes were capable of.

Sherrie’s son, Jason, has been a constant inspiration in her continued effort to grow the program. Jason was always interested in sports and Sherrie wanted to do something to get him involved. Jason has always been one to believe that anything is possible if the opportunity is presented to him.

When it is Sherrie’s time to leave she hopes to be remembered as a person who gave back. It is extremely important that her children and husband realize how much she truly loves them. She hopes that one day the world can end discrimination against people with disabilities. It will only happen one step at a time and Sherrie strives to enact that change here in Ohio. There is always a way to get along with another person, no matter what. Who each of us are on the inside is what is truly important.