Naperville Swimmer Heads To Abu Dhabi For Special Olympics

NAPERVILLE, IL -- The Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi kicked off Thursday and a swimmer from Naperville was among the more than 7,000 athletes from around the globe who attended the opening day ceremony. Grace Seiboldt, 22, will compete in the 50-meter and 100-meter freestyle races as one of 215 athletes representing the United States.

Seiboldt, who began swimming at age five, has been competing locally in Special Olympics Illinois since 2006. She took home two gold medals and one silver medal in the 2018 Special Olympics USA, which was held in Seattle.

Grace, a 2015 Neuqua Valley High School graduate who is on the autism spectrum, also serves as a global messenger for Special Olympics Illinois, speaking at schools and other venues to tell her stories of competing in the Special Olympics.

Seiboldt is set to compete on Saturday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.