Special Olympics North Carolina Athletes Selected to Compete in 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games in China

Raleigh, NC, March 31, 2007 --(PR.com)-- Twelve North Carolina Special Olympics athletes from across the state have been selected to represent the United States at the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai, China according to Keith L. Fishburne, president/CEO of Special Olympics North Carolina. As part of Team USA, these athletes will compete against athletes from more than 150 countries around the world. These World Games, held in Asia for the second time, are scheduled to run from October 2-11, 2007.

Aquatics
Cortney Quinn of Onslow County
Jonathan Wright of Burke County

Bocce
Kenneth Blue of New Hanover County
Nancy Tester of Haywood County

Cycling
Kerry Hagner of Orange County
Jason Philemon of Guildford/High Point

Equestrian
AJ Cottrill of Wake County
Delaney Hansen of Davie County

Powerlifting
Brian Carter of Durham County
Matthew Jaekel of Catawba County

Roller Skating
Kathryn Frye of Pitt County
Christopher Richards of Pitt County

Online fundraising Web pages have been created by each athlete in order to help raise funds to make their dream a reality. Visit www.sonc.net to view each page and donate.

Team USA will compete in 16 different Olympic-type sports: Aquatics, Athletics, Basketball, Bocce, Bowling, Cycling, Equestrian, Golf, Gymnastics, Powerlifting, Roller Skating, Sailing, Soccer, Softball, Tennis and Volleyball. Special Olympics athletes not competing in World Games will also play an important leadership role by acting as officials, assistant coaches, reporters and spokespeople.

North Carolina Special Olympics will also be represented at the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games by the following: Marissa Brzecinski and Cathy Hansen of Davie County- Equestrian coaches; Richard Frazier of Wake County, Powerlifting technical delegate, Craig Pippert of Wake County, Athletics staff; Rick and Connie Laskey of Onslow County , Volleyball officials.

“The 12 athletes that make up Special Olympics Team USA-NC are about to embark on a very memorable experience,” said Fishburne. “Their performances will open eyes and change attitudes. We know they will make our state and country proud.”

The vision for the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games is to embrace the diversity of all individuals’ abilities worldwide and celebrate all differences. Through the World Games, Special Olympics athletes transcend the boundaries geography, nationality, political philosophy, gender, age, culture and religion. It is the common pursuit of achievement, the shared moment of victory, which brings even the most diverse people together. This spirit of unity on the playing fields, in families and communities throughout the world makes for a better way of life for all. Vist www.sonc.net for more information about Special Olympics Team USA- NC.

Special Olympics North Carolina offers year-round sports training and competition for more than 38,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities. These athletes inspire greatness through their success and provide motivation to the thousands of coaches, sports officials, local program committee members and event organizers involved in Special Olympics statewide. SONC offers Olympic-type competition in 20 sports on local and state levels. It is the second largest Special Olympics program in North America in terms of participating athletes.

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