Loretta Claiborne was born into a poor, single-parent family in York, the fourth of seven children. She was partially blind and had an intellectual disability. But that didn’t stop her from completing 26 marathons, twice placing among the top 100 women in the Boston Marathon, and holding the women’s record in her age group for the 5,000-meter run.
It also didn’t stop her from earning a 4th-degree black belt in karate, learning four languages, or being awarded three honorary doctoral degrees.
And those impairments couldn’t keep her from sharing her story for decades with thousands of individuals around the world, inspiring many to join Special Olympics and work hard to overcome limitations.
In 1996, Loretta received the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage from ESPN, and her life has been documented in “The Loretta Claiborne Story” by Walt Disney Productions and the biography “In Her Stride.”
Learning about a local hero
During a Black History Month event in February, individuals at TLC’s York Day Program chose Loretta as someone they wanted to focus on and whose life they wanted to research. When Tiffany Bridges, Planning and Coordination Assistant at TLC, saw how Loretta’s life inspired the individuals whom Tiffany serves, she reached out to Loretta’s team to arrange a visit.
This wasn’t Tiffany’s first interaction with Loretta. She had met her at Crispus Attucks York, which aids underserved and economically disadvantaged residents, where Loretta volunteered and helped at the senior center.
“Seeing her again and having her share her journey with our participants was incredibly special,” Tiffany says.
‘Disabilities do not define your capabilities’
On the day of Loretta’s visit to TLC, she was welcomed with open arms. After a brief interview with WGAL TV, she addressed the TLC individuals, sharing her personal story and encouraging all to pursue their dreams regardless of their disabilities. Her words resonated deeply as she spoke about overcoming adversity, the importance of perseverance, and the power of sports.
One of the most touching moments occurred when Loretta recognized a participant named Joanna, whom she had known as a child. Loretta remembered holding Joanna’s hands as the girl put her feet on top of Loretta’s and they walked together. Other individuals knew Loretta from local Special Olympics events.
“The participants were thrilled,” Tiffany says. “They clapped, some expressed interest in joining the Special Olympics, and many were inspired to pursue their own goals. Loretta’s message was clear: Disabilities do not define your capabilities.”
Tiffany and the entire TLC team embrace that motto every day as they work to inspire and support the individuals they serve. Tiffany is eager to host other inspiring figures, plan initiatives, and have Loretta return to speak and connect with TLC individuals again.
“We strive to make sure our participants know they can achieve anything they set their minds to,” Tiffany says. “Seeing Loretta’s impact on them was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.”