A Friendship Forged in Special Olympics

Victoria Parrett wasn’t sure what she would get from peer tutoring while a student at Warsaw High School.

She figured maybe some volunteer hours and some knowledge that she helped a few classmates improve their grades.

Little did she know what she found was a friend for life.

Parrett and Morgan Swafford, a Kosciusko County athlete, first met in 2012 during peer tutoring. A friendship instantly took root, and the pair soon became Unified partners, competing in track and field.

As the years went on, the bond grew even stronger. They are not just friends but roommates as well. Their relationship also helped direct Parrett’s career path as she became a qualified disabilities professional with Cardinal Services who manages supported living sites in Warsaw.

“We got really close, and she started spending the night with me and attending family events,” Parrett said. “It was an instant friendship, and I couldn’t imagine my life without her in it.”

Swafford said Parrett is a sweetness and a friend that was lacking in her life. Parrett called Swafford, “a positive light in the world.”

They instinctively know when the other is down and intuitively know how to draw a smile.

“I truly love being in her presence,” Parrett said. “If you are having a bad day, she knows exactly how to fix that. She is like a sister to me now, and we do everything together. She never leaves my side.”

Swafford began competing in Special Olympics in 2017. Her sports include track and field, bowling, basketball and cornhole.

Through Unified sports and the Kosciusko County team, her friendship circle has grown – though Parrett remains special to her heart.

“I like living with Tori – my sissy – because she helps me with things,” Swafford said. “We go out a lot and get our nails done. We got matching heart tattoos on our arms, and I love them. I love helping take care of her dog, which is our dog now. He loves me.”

The feeling is mutual.

“Morgan really shaped me into the person I am today,” Parrett said. “I saw the impact we had on each other and how much she not only needed me but how much I needed her. 

“She has her own bedroom and bathroom at my house, and we had so much fun decorating it with all the things she loves. We have so much fun together and have such a busy schedule. It’s like having a girls night every night. She makes sure we have a karaoke or dance party before bed every night. I love being able to help her gain new skills, knowledge and have new life experiences.”