Shelby Silk

Hamden, CT

Shelby Silk is an athlete who will compete in track and field at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Shelby is 23 years old and lives in Hamden, where she attends the Benhaven Transition Program and works at Ocean State Job Lot. She has been involved in Special Olympics for five years and participates in basketball, bocce, floorball, and track and field with Special Olympics North Haven. She also participated in Unified Sports® and Unified cheer at her high school.

“I am proud to be part of a great organization. My North Haven team is like a family to me,” says Shelby. Shelby also says that she’s met a lot of people and gained many new friends from various towns, as well as more self-confidence by being part of Special Olympics. 

Shelby is a triplet and loves the color purple. She admires her mom for being a good role model and taking care of her while working a full-time job. Shelby has been involved with food pantries and a blood drive through her transition program. Her hobbies include running, hiking, and spending time with her family and friends. 

“It (will be) a great accomplishment for me to attend the USA Games. I get to represent my state of Connecticut in track,” says Shelby. 

To prepare for the Games, Shelby has been going to the gym and eating healthy.