As part of Denver7’s commitment to bring you inspirational stories of Special Olympics Colorado athletes, we’re proud to announce the addition of two reporters to our Denver7 team.
Hanna Atkinson is a gifted skier, who has been involved with Special Olympics Colorado for eight years now.
"It's a life-changing experience for everyone," Atkinson tells Denver7 anchor Eric Kahnert.
But that’s not her only gift, and like yours truly, she's got the gift of gab.
"I can talk for hours, which is true, I can," Atkinson says, smiling.
This conversationalist also likes to write poems, and is a host at a Littleton Olive Garden located at Wadsworth and Bowles.
"I like to read science fiction books and romance books if I have the time," said Atkinson.
And time is tough to come by, especially this time of year.
Hanna competes on the Alpine Ski team.
"I get the chance to be with my father, he's an amazing coach," Atkinson said. “I think Hanna is a rock star," her father tells Kahnert.
The father/daughter team is working on Hanna's goal to compete in the 2017 World Games in Austria.
"My favorite part of Special Olympics is becoming a leader, setting goals and achieving them, and seeing other athletes do something they love and care for as much I do," Atkinson said.
"It's been one of the great privileges of my life, to watch her develop in certain sports," her father says. "You let them set their own expectations, and boy, do they set them high. They have to reset them higher because they have just an incredible ability. I think it’s very inspiring."
Hanna doesn't get nervous on the slopes, or under the lights. She says she's ready for her new reporter gig.
"Just know that I want to be kind, and [a] well-rounded host and reporter for other people to understand what Special Olympics is and what they're about," she tells Kahnhert.
Hanna has plans to live and work on her own someday, even own her own company.
“I’m going to start a Fitness and Health company,” she tells Kahnert, full of hope for the future.
Connor and Hanna are helping us put together some incredibly inspirational stories that you won't want to miss Saturday mornings on Denver7.
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