Delaney Heflin

In January 2023, Delaney Heflin competed in the Tennessee State Winter Games in Gatlinburg, TN for skiing. While there, she received 1st place in Alpine Slalom and 4th place in Alpine Downhill. This is especially extraordinary since Delaney only started participating in Special Olympics in spring, 2022 and this was a brand-new sport for her.

Delaney joined 10 other athletes from Williamson County who spent 3 days in Gatlinburg with athletes from all over Tennessee. While there, she attended the Torch Run, opening ceremonies, dinners, a dance and closing ceremonies. She met new friends and bonded with old ones. When asked what Delaney loved most about the trip, she stated she loved learning a new sport, hanging out with the athletes she traveled with and the dance. Delaney and her family tell us it was a fantastic experience and she can’t wait to go back next year!

Although Delaney has shown extraordinary talent in skiing, she also competes in soccer, flag football, basketball and represents Williamson County in Special Olympics. Delaney loves swimming and was named Swimmer of the Month with the Nashville Dolphins.

As an 8th grader at Grassland Middle School, Delaney is active in year-round chorus and Best Buddies. She was on the middle school volleyball team and had a part in the school musical! For the past few years, Delaney has regularly attended TeenTastic at Gigi’s Playhouse and participates in BuddyUp Fitness.

Delaney lives with her mom, dad, sister and two dogs. She also has a sister away at college. Delaney is obviously extremely busy, but in her free time, she likes to listen to music, play Xbox and hang out with her family.

Delaney has big goals for her future! While shopping with her mom at Publix, Delaney saw someone with Down syndrome working and stated she would like to work there. She wants to attend college like her big sister, and become a teacher.