- July 25, 2025
- DawnRatte
- No Comments
Meet Gabrielle Giliotti!
What team do you participate on?
I’ve been part of the North Kingstown Special Olympics team for about 25 years. It’s more than just a team – it feels like family to me.
What sports do you compete in?
Bocce, Bowling, and Croquet. Of these sports, bocce is my favorite because I like aiming for the pallino (the small ball).
Where did you go to school?
I graduated from Cranston East High School in 1989. I then attended Chapel Haven in Connecticut.
Do you have a job? If so, tell us about it.
Yes. I’ve worked for CVS for about 33 years. I work in two different stores – one in North Kingstown and one in East Greenwich. I stock the candy aisles. My favorite part of my job is helping customers.
Why did you choose to participate in the Athlete Leadership University (ALU)?
I wanted to be more involved with Special Olympics and become a better leader.
What have you accomplished through your involvement with ALU?
I’ve become a better leader and have applied skills I’ve learned through ALU to better spread the word about Special Olympics. One of the ways I spread the word is to wear a Special Olympics hat, shirt, or sweatshirt as often as possible so people are most likely to ask about it. When they ask, I tell them all about the Summer Games, the sports I participate in, my involvement as an athlete leader, and how much I enjoy Special Olympics.
What do you enjoy doing for fun?
I enjoy doing all kinds of crafts and making gifts for people. One of my favorite crafts to work on is creating homemade Christmas cards. I make every card a little different.
Is there anything else about yourself that you would like to share?
Special Olympics has given me more confidence and a community where I’ve met so many amazing people and made lasting friendships. Special Olympics is like a family to me.
Also, some people call me by my formal name, Gabrielle, while others refer to me by my nickname, Gigi.
The Athlete Spotlight Series
The Athlete Spotlight series shines a light on remarkable individuals from Special Olympics Rhode Island who are either currently enrolled in or have successfully completed our Athlete Leadership University program. These inspiring athletes undergo comprehensive leadership training, acquiring both knowledge and skills. Through hands-on experiences in roles of responsibility, they collaborate with leaders who do not have intellectual or developmental disabilities, contributing to the development of inclusive environments. Join us in celebrating these dedicated individuals and their impactful journey within our community!