As if competing in the upcoming National Games isn’t enough cause for jubilation, rhythmic gymnast Candace Whiting will have extra reason to celebrate when she attends the Nebraska competition. Candace, a native of Damascus, Md. and a member of the SOMD-Frederick program, will celebrate her 25th birthday over the trip. There will be plenty of dancing. After all, dancing is what she loves to do and what she does frequently, dancing throughout the week and participating in dance recitals on the weekend.
Her accomplishment of making the National Games in rhythmic gymnastics is even more remarkable considering that she just picked up the sport this year, and is self-taught. Candace has participated in Special Olympics for 11 years and also competes in athletics, golf, tennis, alpine skiing, swimming and kayaking, with the latter being her two favorite sports. She is the recipient of the Stanley S. Memorial ALPS Award for Public Speaking, which she notes as her biggest accomplishment of her career. In 2009, she attended the World Games in Boise, Idaho, earning sixth and seventh place in skiing. Her future ambition is to become a model for a clothing company.
