Trisha is just one of about 2,000 Special Olympians in New Hampshire. Her enthusiasm for life typifies the positive nature of athletic competition. Her desire to win is only one reason she participates. The other, of course, is that she has fun doing so.

There isn't much more that Patricia "Trisha" Janulewicz could cram into her day. She does it all, and she does it with flair!

Trisha, a youthful 34-year old Hampton resident, is a dynamic 20-year employee of Shaw's in North Hampton and Worcester.

"I love Shaw's," she says, wearing a very contagious smile. "I get to do it all. I get to bring in the carts and clean `em. I also get to bag groceries and meet the customers. It's a real fun job."

Providing dedicated service at Shaw's is only part of Trisha's world. She certainly is a woman on the go.

"I was one of the Mercy Centre Foxes," she adds with a wink. "And I have a trunk of medals to prove it."

Mercy Centre is one of the many sponsoring agencies for Special Olympians in the New England area. Trish was an integral member of her team. There were nine guys and me, but I won most of the medals!"

And win, she did. Trish captured medals in basketball, the soft-ball throw, the broad jump, the 50-meter run, and the 100-meter walk. Each of her many medals represent placing first or second in her many events, and she has been involved in Special Olympics for 24 years.

Now, a Hampton resident, Trisha is a proud member of the Rockingham Rockets. She is currently in training for several up-coming events throughout the New Hampshire in the course of the summer. In the event she does well, and there's little doubt that she won't, Trisha will participate in the New England games to be held before summer's end.

Last year, Trisha competed in Holyoke, Massachusetts against a team of Special Olympians from Ireland. "We lost," she says with a chuckle. "Those guys were good, but we had a lot of fun."

Trisha is just one of about 2,000 Special Olympians in New Hampshire. Her enthusiasm for life typifies the positive nature of athletic competition. Her desire to win is only one reason she participates. The other, of course, is that she has fun doing so.

Fun is a huge factor in Trisha's universe. She is a cheery fixture at Hampton's Curves, where she works out at least three days a week. "The place is great. I know everyone, and we all have a good time getting in shape."

Knowing people is important for Trisha. Living close to Hampton's beach community, Trisha visits with the many shop owners on a near-daily basis. "I bring them coffee and run errands for some folks. I enjoy seeing how everyone is doing."

Hampton Beach is an ideal location for Trisha. On those rare occasions when she has a spare moment, she loves to walk the sandy shore and feel the wind in her hair. "I really love to swim," she says with a nod. "I love summers on the beach . . . the crowds, the sun, the smell of hot dogs cooking .. . everything! Hampton is the best!"

Trisha is an active, enthusiastic individual. Thus, it should be no surprise that she wouldn't be content to be chauffeured from one location to the next. "I have my license and my car. I get where I have to go. It's no big deal."

Obtaining a license, however, was a big deal. Trisha was the first intellectually-challenged individual to qualify for a license in New Hampshire. Since she has broken the ice, three others have obtained theirs.

Going and doing is simply matter of fact for Trisha. And her days don't stop when the sun does down. Trisha is also the captain of her candlepin bowling team in Amesbury, Massachusetts. "We have our championships coming soon, and I think we're going to do well."

New England sports are a vital part of Trisha's world. She is extremely proud of the recent successes of all of "her" teams.

"I love the Red Sox and I love the Celtics. I just can't wait for the next game."

Trisha is also a regular participant at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church in Hampton, where she is a Eucharistic Minister. "I trained and passed. It was very important to me."

Recently, Trisha has become a volunteer member of Seabrook's Lions' Club. "I'm a tail twister," she says, a twinkle in her eye. "I'm a fund raiser, and I make sure everyone gives what they promise."

Trisha had a severe asthmatic condition while living in Worcester, but living so close to the Hampton's shore has definitely improved her health dramatically. "I love it here," she says, with a serious nod. "No more coughing and wheezing. I love being near the ocean, and I love swimming. Life is great!"

It certainly is, and Trisha's enthusiasm for it is an inspiration for all of us.