Sawne Rippey

Unified Basketball | Michael Jackson Enthusiast

Name is pronounced Shawn ‘Michael Jackson’ Rippey

Sawne ‘Michael Jackson’ found a place in Special Olympics upon moving to Arizona. Through participation he has learned to accept others for who they are, just as other athletes have accepted him. He has met a positive male role model in his unified basketball partner, Anthony White. Sawne now considers Anthony a brother and they have an extraordinary bond. Outside of Special Olympics, Sawne enjoys working at Lifetime Fitness.

He also loves movies, the Philadelphia Eagles, listening to music and dancing, especially to Michael Jackson’s songs, hence his nickname. According to Sawne, attending the 2019 World Games means, the chance to meet other athletes and partners from around the world and playing my heart out in a sport I love!