Bell a striking success in Special Olympics
Bermuda native and Cushing alumna Ciara Bell has been on a bit of a world tour recently, thanks to her achievements with Special Olympics.
Bell and her bowling team traveled to Hong Kong in January to participate in the International Para Bowling World Championships. “It was very exciting,” she said. “The best part of Hong Kong was the food.”
As one of four members of the Bermuda team, she also attended the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin, Germany. “I got involved with Special Olympics in 2019, and I enjoy bowling with my friends,” she said.
Bell was a residential student at Cushing from age 16 to 18, graduating in June 2011.
“I met a lot of nice friends and teachers,” she said. “I got a chance to experience a lot of new things, and I learned a lot. I enjoyed the parties and being a cheerleader the most.”
After leaving Cushing, she returned home to Bermuda. She attends a daily program that supports adults 21 and older, through the Bermuda Autism Early Intervention Centre.
“I go there to develop my social and vocational skills and really enjoy it there,” said Bell. “I get to play games with my friends, help with cleaning and other chores and I even get to do some cooking, which is one of my favorite activities.”
Bell also reads to preschoolers at a nursery school each week. She loves the warmth of Bermuda and the opportunity to swim.
Though she left Cushing nearly 15 years ago, the organization still remains close to her heart. When Cushing President and CEO Michelle Markowitz visited Bermuda in the fall, she reconnected with Bell and her family. Bell is one of three Cushing alumni from Bermuda, and Markowitz was instrumental in her enrollment.
“I was overseeing admissions at the time and I wanted to do more international recruitment,” Markowitz said. “Bermuda is such a short flight that it made sense, and that’s how the relationship started.”
“I had a wonderful visit with Ciara and her mom,” Markowitz added. “It was so good to hear about all that she’s been doing.”
About Cushing Centers
Since 1947, Cushing's caring community has been a place where exceptional individuals of all ages and abilities have found possibility, opportunity, and hope, receiving support to achieve independence and meaningful relationships across home, work, school, and leisure.
Stay in the Know!
Join the Cushing Email Newsletter.