Disability Hasn’t Stopped Accomplished Bowler And Rider Heather Pampena

Almost every Saturday morning from July through November for the last 20 years or so, Heather Pampena patiently practices and competes with the Wellington Strikers bowling team. Pampena was born with a chromosome disorder, but that hasn’t stopped the 33-year-old left-hander.

“She is a courteous athlete, always ready for her turn, and very helpful to the other bowlers, keeping them focused and advising them when it’s their turn,” Strikers coach Ed Conforti said.

Throughout her career, Pampena has won first-place blue ribbons at the Palm Beach County and Special Olympics area games held in Broward County. Several years ago, Pampena had the honor of representing Palm Beach County at the Special Olympics Florida State Games. Her current goal is to participate in the games held in Orlando in December.

“We have athletes with various skill levels, some use ramps, and Heather is always there to help them set up,” Conforti said. “She bowls totally unassisted. She is a delight to watch, and you can’t beat the feeling when she lets it roll and the pins all happen to topple over.”

Though she continues to be an active bowler, Pampena is already a member of the team’s unofficial hall of fame, according to Conforti.

“Bowling is a fun sport; athletes develop social behavior and respect. They care for equipment, know how to be prepared, learn to take turns and learn bowling etiquette,” said Conforti, who admires that Pampena always cheers and supports her teammates during the highs and lows of the game.

Using a purple bowling ball, Pampena has amassed a large box of medals. “Physically, it is so good for her,” said her mother, Gloria.

Pampena also excels at other sports, particularly horseback riding.

Ruth Menor, founder of the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center, began working with Pampena back when the nonprofit was located in a small field in Lake Worth. Pampena followed Menor to the current 15-acre facility in Loxahatchee Groves, which now boasts a large covered arena and 24-stall barn that serves people of all ages with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities.

“Heather loves the competition, but I think that she loves the experience of being on a team as much or more than being a competitor,” Menor said.  “She is always there to cheer on her teammates.”

After a recent lesson, Pampena made sure she said thank you to the volunteers who helped her that day, as well as her horse. “She loves the horses, loves being around the horses,” said her mother. “She rides once a week, but she would ride more if she could. If she could be out here all the time she would. I like the confidence that it gives her.”

Pampena was the 2013 Rider of the Year at Vinceremos, and she has won gold medals in several major competitions, including at the Special Olympics.

“She has to work really hard because sometimes she becomes anxious, especially in competition,” Menor said. “We are so proud of her accomplishments, but more proud that she has become a compassionate, caring adult that helps others with disabilities.”

Pampena is a morning person and works three days a week at Royal Palm Beach Elementary School.

“Heather has grown up to be able to volunteer at a school helping with other children with special needs,” Menor said.  “She loves the riding and the horses, but most of all she loves sharing the experience with her horse, the volunteers, coaches as well as the other team members.”

Pampena also attends a weekly book club and a weekly dance club. She used to participate in a cycling club, but that conflicted with her riding. When her schedule allows, Pampena is on the sidelines cheering on her friends while they cycle.

“She’s very busy, and she loves to be with her friends,” her mother said. “She’s dedicated, loyal and devoted. And she likes to win.”

Pampena, who has two brothers and two sisters, grew up in Wellington and attended Wellington Landings Middle School and Wellington High School. Her favorite TV show is Cops, with anything on the Food Network a close second. If she’s eating spaghetti, then it’s a good day, according to her mother.

“Heather is sweet and concerned about others,” Menor said. “She likes to be the caretaker. She is always checking in with her friends and accomplishing these interactions with limited verbal communication. She, however, is able to get her message across clearly.”
“She’s the boss,” added her mother, smiling. “Everybody just does what she says.”