Ann Galinowski is an adult with Down syndrome, and she doesn’t let that slow her down. She has been working at Meijer for 25 years, is an athlete in the Special Olympics, and additionally serves on the Special Olympics Athlete Leadership Council. The council meets regularly to discuss topics relevant to the athletes and ensures their voices are heard.
While working at Meijer, Galinowski enjoys interacting with the many customers the store sees during each of her shifts. To her, meeting and talking with everyone is one of her favorite parts of the job.
“I’m a greeter at Meijer. I greet people going in and out, coming in and going outside when they leave,” Galinowski said.
She is able to greet customers at the beginning and end of their shopping trips. Working as a greeter for so long has allowed her to recognize regular customers and interact with many other community members.
Sports are also a big passion of Galinowski’s - she’s been involved with them ever since her early teen years.
Galinowski has been involved with the La Porte County Special Olympics since she was in middle school. She began playing soccer and eventually started participating in track and field.
Being a part of the Special Olympics allows her to meet and interact with people while also staying active and learning more about the sports she participates in. Currently, Galinowski is waiting to get her physical so she can begin bowling this season.
Very much a people person, Galinowski enjoys making new friends by participating in a variety of sports. It’s also a way for her to continue to be active while also being a part of the team.
“It is fun to meet new people and stay active with the athletes,” Galinowski said.
In addition to participating in Special Olympics, Galinowski is on the Athlete Leadership Council for La Porte County Special Olympics. The members of the council meet regularly to discuss important topics and to ensure the voices of the athletes are heard.
Galinowski explained her favorite part of being a part of the Special Olympics is meeting new people including coaches and athletes as well as being happy.
Galinowski is also a very avid learner and loves finding and discovering new things about the world around her wherever she goes. In her free time, she spends time on Facebook to stay informed and hangs out with her friends. She’s also a bookworm and can typically be found at the library when in need of a break from the busy life she leads. One of her favorite authors is Lucille Ball.