Ann hails from Co. Carlow. An only child of Denis and Julie Hickey, she was born with Down’s syndrome. Ann attended St. Laserian’s Special School in Carlow until she was 18 where she showed a keen interest in sports.

At 18 Ann graduated to Delta Centre in Carlow, which is a Daycare, Residential Centre & Training Unit for adults with learning disabilities. During her time there she has received Certificates in Catering, Horticulture, Independent Living, self-advocacy, all certified by FETAC.

In 1989 Ann started to compete at local and national level in Special Olympics. She won many gold medals. Ann became very active in the Athlete Leadership Programme (ALPs), which develops public speaking skills, ambassadorship and life skills for Special Olympics’ athletes.

Ann was chosen in 2002 to be one of six Regional Messengers for Special Olympics Europe-Eurasia. She was chosen from numerous nominees from all over Europe. As Regional Messenger, Ann fulfilled an ambassadorial role for a two year period, travelling throughout Europe publicising the Special Olympic movement. This role has been achieved by few across the world and Ann is only the second Irish person to obtain this role. She attended the lighting of the Flame of Hope in Athens and then received the torch when it arrived by ship in Bangor Co. Down, which officially started Ireland’s Torch Run.

Ann worked with many high profile people during the preparation for the games, and then at the event itself. She met many RTE celebrities, An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Nelson Mandela, Tim Kennedy and Eunice Kennedy Shriver. The highlight of Ann’s two year reign was introducing President Mary McAleese at the opening ceremony. She introduced President McAleese to rapturous applause from an audience of 85,000!