Hi everyone!  My name is Soeren Palumbo and I am a sophomore at the University of Notre Dame majoring in English, Philosophy and Spanish.  I have been involved with Special Olympics for over a year and a half now.  My involvement with SO began when I gave a speech to my high school about the word "retard" and asked my classmates to think before they used the word.  Though this purpose was a valuable one, the true reason for the speech was for it to act as a tribute to my younger sister Olivia, who has a developmental disability.  Soon after that speech, I was asked to give a similar presentation to the Illinois State Senate.  The legislature was very receptive and even passed a resolution in support of my cause.  Shortly after, I was asked to speak at the 2007 NASC convention and later to participate in the 2007 Global Youth Summit in Shanghai, China.  I also worked at Special Olympics International headquarters in Washington DC during the summer of 2008 where I helped design the new Special Olympics College program.  I am looking forward to the upcoming World Winter Games where I will participate in the Global Youth Activation Summit and the first ever Special Olympics Global College Summit. 

College:
University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame IN

High school:
Fremd High School, Palatine IL

Interests and hobbies:
When I am not working with Special Olympics or doing schoolwork, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I am a member of the Notre Dame Boxing Team and mentoring program for young children with siblings with intellectual disabilities.