special olympics texas 2011 world games media guide

8/6/2019 Special Olympics Texas 2011 World Games Media Guide

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36 Special Olympics Texas athletes will compete in the experience of a lifetime...when they join with7,000 athletes from 180 countries to celebrate the abilities and accomplishments of children and adults

with intellectual disabilities. Its the worlds largest sporting event in 2011!

36 Special Olympics Texas athletes will compete in the experience of a lifetime...when they join with7,000 athletes from 180 countries to celebrate the abilities and accomplishments of children and adults

with intellectual disabilities. Its the worlds largest sporting event in 2011!

EDIAGUIDE


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1 Introduction

2 Special Olympics Mission/Vision/Athlete Oath

3 Special Olympics Texas Quick Facts

4 World Games Quick Facts

5 World Games Schedule

6 Map of Team Texas Athletes

6 Team Texas Coach Roster

7 Team Texas Athlete Roster

8 Meet the Texas Athletes

14 Meet the Texas Coaches

16 Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg

17 Language Guidelines

TABLE

OF

CONTENTS


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2011 WORLD GAMES MEDIA GUIDE

The Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) 2011 WorldSummer Games Media Guide should provide you withinformation needed for your coverage of Team Texas atthe 2011 World Summer Games in Athens, Greece.

COMMUNICATIONS

During the Games, there are several ways that you can

follow the successes of Team Texas:Follow us online for updates and photos. Visit:

Speci al Olympics Texas websitewww.specialolympicstexas.org

Facebookwww.facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsTX

Twitterwww.twitter.com/SOTexas

Emai l Kelly Coffey, Vice President ofCommunications, at [email protected] to sign up for

email updates from the Games.Call the SOTX Communications Department priorto the Games at 512.491.2928 or during the Games at512.491.2925/2959.

Visit the Special Olympics Team USA website atwww.specialolympicsteamusa.com or the 2011 WorldSummer Games site at www.athens2011.org/en.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS TEXAS

7715 Chevy Chase Drive, Suite 120

Austin, Texas 78752

Phone: 512.835.9873 or 800.876.5646Fax: 512.835.7756Email: [email protected]

www.specialolympicstexas.org

INTRODUCTION


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SPECIALOLYMPICSTEXAS(SOTX)

OUR MISSION

The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in avariety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults

with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuingopportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstratecourage, experience joy and participate in the sharingof gifts, skills and friendships with their families, otherSpecial Olympics athletes and the community.

OUR VISION

It is our vision to become the premier provider ofSpecial Olympics training and competition in theworld. We approach each endeavor with a single intent to improve the quality of life for our athletes. The

challenges of the future are embraced with enthusiasmand commitment, ensuring that the changing face andneeds of our athletes are met.

ATHLETE OATH

Let me win. But if I cannot win,let me be brave in the attempt.


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ATHLETES

In Texas, 40,773 athletes participate in the program.Athletes may begin training as early as six years old, butmust be eight years old to compete. Athletes must be 12years old to attend state-level competitions.

Thanks to the Young Athletes program (YA), whichlaunched in 2005, children ages two through seven canparticipate as an Athlete in Training in areas wherethe program is available.

COMPETITION

Special Olympics Texas is a year-round movement,holding more than 300 competitions annually on area,regional and state levels. Event divisions are based onage, gender and ability level to give athletes an equalchance to win. Each participant receives a medal orribbon following their events.

Special Olympics Texas has three state-levelcompetitions annually: Summer Games, Fall Classic

and Winter Games, with locations varying every threeyears. Special Olympics, Inc. holds World Games everyother year and USA National Games every four years.

SPORTS

Special Olympics Texas offers training and competitionin 22 sports: aquatics, athletics, basketball, bocce,bowling, cycling, equestrian, figure skating, flag

football, golf, gymnastics, kayaking, powerlifting, rollerskating, sailing, soccer, softball, speed skating, tabletennis, tennis, triathlon and volleyball.

TRAINING

Special Olympics Texas athletes must train for aminimum of eight weeks prior to each competition.Volunteer coaches, who are required to first completea certification program and attend seasonal train ingschools, are responsible for training the athletes.Competition officials and event directors are alsorequired to attend training schools.

VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers are the lifeline of the Special Olympicsprogram. In Texas, more than 47,000 volunteersdedicate their time to Special Olympics. Thesevolunteers serve as coaches, officials, committee

members, competition assistants, speech coaches andmuch more. There are more than 3,400 volunteercoaches involved in the program.

FUNDING

Special Olympics Texas is a registered 501(c)(3), non-profit organization supported by private donations fromindividuals, corporations and organizations throughoutthe state. Special Olympics is the most credible charityin America according to a survey in the Chronicle ofPhilanthropy.

SOTXQUICKFACTS


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Special Olympics,the global leader inintellectual disabilities,will hold the worldslargest sporting event in2011. The 2011 WorldSummer Games will unitethe world through sports,celebrating the abilitiesand accomplishments ofpeople with intellectualdisabilities and forming anew global vision of acceptance.

WHERE:Athens, Greece

WHEN:June 20-24, 2011 Host Town ProgramJune 25, 2011 Opening CeremonyJune 25-July 4, 2011 CompetitionJuly 4, 2011 Closing Ceremony

PARTICIPANTS:7000 athletes from nearly 180 countries2,500 coaches25,000 volunteers3,000 technical officials and refereesAnd tens of thousands of family, friends, media andspectators

VISION:The Special Olympics World Summer Games willbe the milestone event of a long-lasting movement,

founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, to create aworld that is not dominated by those who are excludedbut by those who are included. In the land of fairplay, where the true values of competition were born,the talents and skills of the athletes of Special Olympicswill remind us what the World Games are really about,where all participants are winners in their struggle forrespect, inclusion and unity.

SPORTS:Special Olympics athletes of all ability levels andages will compete in 22 Olympic-type sports in thebirthplace of the modern Olympic Games: aquatics,athletics, badminton, basketball, beach volleyball, bocce,bowling, cycling, equestrian, football (soccer), golf,gymnastics, judo, kayaking, powerlifting, roller skating,sailing, softball, table tennis, handball, tennis andvolleyball. Please refer to the schedule o n the next page.

VENUES IN ATHENS:ACG The American College of GreeceAGK Agios Kosmas Training CenterBAV Olympic Basebal l CenterBSP Spata Blanos Sports ParkCOS Olympic StadiumGEA Equestrian Olympic ArenaGGC Glyfada Golf CourseGOUD Goudi Olympic CenterHELC Hell iniko Olympic ComplexHOV Olympic Hockey CenterINH Fencing HallMEC Markopoulo Olympic Equestrian CenterOAC Olympic Aquatics CenterOAKA Athens Olympic Sport ComplexOIH Olympic Indoor HallOTC Olympic Tennis CenterOVL Olympic VelodromePAS Panathenaikon StadiumSCH Schinias Olympic Rowing and Canoeing CenterSEF Sports Training HallsSEFP Peace and Friendship Stadium PireausSOV Olympic Softball CenterSSA Schinias Sail ing Academy

2011WO LDGAMESQUICKFACTS


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SCHEDULEOF

EVENTS

JUNE25 JULY4,2011

SPORT SAT25SUN26

MON27

TUE28

WED29

THU30

FRI1

SAT2

SUN3

MON4 VENUE

OpeningCeremony

OAKA/COS

Aquatics OAKA/OAC

Athletics OAKA/COS

Badminton HELC/INHBasketball OAKA/OIH

Beach Volleyball

Bocce SEFP/SEF

Bowling BSP

Cycling HELC/HOV

Equestrian MEC

Football(Soccer)

HELC/BAVHELC/HOV

AGK

Golf GGCGymnastics(Artistic)

HELC/INH

Gymnastics(Rhythmic)

HELC/INH

Judo ACG

Kayaking SCH

Powerlifting OAKA/OVL

Roller Skating SEFP/SEF

Sailing SSA

Softball HELC/SOVHandball HELC/INH

Tennis OAKA/OTC

Volleyball OAKA/COS

MATP GOUD/GEA

Young Athletes GOUD/GEA

ClosingCeremony

PAS


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GREATERHOUSTONAREA 4:Baytown 1Bellaire 1

Friendswood 1Houston 8Richmond 1Spring - 1

GULF COASTAREA 22:Webster 1

CENTRAL TEXASAREA 13:Doss 1Fredericksburg 1

SAN ANTONIOAREA 20:San Antonio 12Windcrest 1

GREATER FORT WORTHAREA 11:Arlington 1North Richland Hills 2

HEART OF EASTTEXASAREA 6:The Woodlands 1

EPRESENTINGTHE

LONESTARSTATEMAPOFTEAMTEXASA

THLETES

TEAMTEXASCOACHROSTER

NAME SPORT AREAHOMETOWN

SusanDonaldson Volleyball 4 Hou

ston

TerryHansen Softball 20 SanA

ntonio

AlanHirshman Golf

4 Houston

JustinHofstetter Softball 20 SanAntonio

TaylorLepley Volleyball 4 Hou

ston

ShirleyMendoza Tennis 4 Hou

ston

KenPorter Softball 20 San

Antonio

TeresaSullivan Softball 20 San

Antonio

JackYoes Sailing 22 Ho

uston

GREATER DALLASAREA 10:Dallas 2Melissa 1


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ATHLETEROSTERNAME (alphabetical by last name) SPORT SOTX AREA HOMETOWN

Daniel Aldrich Softball 20 San AntonioJoshua Altman Bocce 11 North Richland HillsColby Bannister Gymnastics 11 North Richland Hills

Daniel Bena Softball 20 San AntonioKimberly Bormaster Volleyball 4 Bellaire

Heather Boyer Golf 4

HoustonAmanda Brookshire Gymnastics 10 MelissaCurtis Brown Sailing 10 DallasGabriel Cantu Volleyball 4 BaytownKevin Collins Bocce 11 ArlingtonJared Crowley Softball 20 San AntonioReed Fatheree Softball 20 San Antonio

Kenneth Friedrich* Golf 13 DossHeather Friel Bowling 4 SpringMarcus Gary Kayaking 4 HoustonJNine Gretz Softball 20 WindcrestJustin Hansen Softball 20 San Antonio

Billy Harris Golf 13 FredericksburgWayne Hoffman Softball 20 San AntonioAnderson Jones* Sailing 10 Dallas

John Lakey Volleyball 4 HoustonLisa Lepley Volleyball 4 HoustonBobby Lord Kayaking 22 Webster

Eric Martinez Softball 20 San AntonioAmanda Mickan Cycling 4 RichmondWesley Murphy Volleyball 4 FriendswoodAshley Muth Softball 20 San AntonioVanessa Parra Softball 20 San AntonioBryan Perez Softball 20 San Antonio

Cody Porter Softball 20 San AntonioKatherine Richards Volleyball 4 HoustonChristian Summers Softball 20 San Antonio

Katherine Thompson Bocce 6 The WoodlandsPatricia Threatt Volleyball 4 HoustonFrank Tucker Volleyball 4 Houston

Lindsey Wesneski Volleyball 4 Houston

*Denotes Unified Sports Partner. Unified Sports is a program that combines athletes with and without intellectual disabilitiesto form sports teams for training and competition.


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DANIEL ALDRICH22 years old

San AntonioSoftballDaniel Aldrich call s participating inWorld Games the chance of a l i fetimethat hell never forget, but hes

proudest of his accomplishments outside of competing.He has served underprivileged children in Mexico,Mississippi and Texas and also served as a missionary tochildren and the elderly.

Aldrich graduated with honors from NortheastTransitional School and was honored for helping tomanage his schools football, basketball and tennisteams. He spends his spare time biking; playing video

games, basketball and softball; bowling and swimming.

JOSHUA ALTMAN25 years oldNorth Richland HillsBocceJoshua Altman competes inbasketball, bocce, bowling, aquatics,powerlifting, volleyball and cycling

events. He has earned a gold medal in all but two ofthe seven sports in which he competes. Altman is alsoa Global Messenger, and holds a job as a courtesy clerk

three days a week.When hes not competing, Altman enjoysdoing word puzzles, watching movies and talking toothers about Special Olympics Texas. Hes excitedabout attending World Games and meeting otherathletes from different places.

COLBY BANNISTER24 years oldNorth Richland HillsGymnasticsColby Bannister joined the SOTX

family 16 years ago and is a cycling,aquatics, powerlifting and gymnasticscompetitor. Bannister credits SOTX with allowing himto meet other athletes from around the world. He cantwait to represent the U.S. at the World Games andmake his family and friends proud.

Bannister also excels off the field of play.He is currently a SOTX board member and GlobalMessenger. Among his accomplishments, he has alsobeen recognized as the SOTX - Greater Fort WorthAreas Male Athlete of the Year, Most Spirited Male

at Richland High School, Fort Worth Star-TelegramsYouth of the Year and Greater Fort Worth Areas

Community Outreach Award winner.

DANIEL BENA24 years oldSan AntonioSoftballDaniel Bena is a softball, basketball,bowling and volleyball athlete. Hesaid SOTX has taught him how to be

a team player and how to travel independently. Benahas competed in various local and state competitions,and is excited about representing the U.S. at WorldGames.

When hes not competing, Bena enjoys playingsports, going to basketball and baseball games, andwrestling.

KIMBERLY BORMASTER24 years oldBellaireVolleyballKim Bormaster is a tennis andvolleyball athlete now in her 11thyear as a SOTX competitor. Her

many accomplishments include attending both National

Games competitions and being named Greater HoustonAreas Athlete of the Year. She has even served asmistress of ceremonies for a state Games.

Being a part of the movement has givenBormaster the chance to participate in sports like hersiblings, and has also offered several opportunities totravel to places she never thought shed go. Whenshes not on the court, she is a sales associate at RiceEpicurean Food Market.

HEATHER BOYER23 years old

HoustonGolfHeather Boyer is a volleyball, golf,bowling and athletics (track and field)athlete. She joined the movement

13 years ago and competed in volleyball at the 2006National Games in Iowa. She cant wait to visit Greece,meet athletes and coaches from other countries, andlearn about the Greek culture and language.

Boyer is also a star student. Her high school

THE THLETES


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recognized her for highest class average in both Spanishand French. She was also honored as Most Congenial

at Houston Community College. When shes notcompeting, Heather likes to travel and fish.

AMANDA BROOKSHIRE35 years oldMelissaGymnasticsMandy Brookshire joined themovement 27 years ago, and todaycompetes in gymnastics, aquatics,

bowling and basketball. She is excited about competingin her second World Summer Games, which she says hashelped her follow her dreams of traveling. Brookshirelooks forward to seeing Greece and experiencing a newculture.

Brookshire was named the 2007 Plano Athleteof the Year and the 2006 National All-Around SilverGymnast. Shes also a recipient of the 25 Year ServiceAward for camping in her community. Her hobbiesare playing with her dogs, listening to music andbabysitting.

CURTIS BROWN II19 years old

Dallas

SailingCurtis Brown is honored to representthe United States at his first WorldGames. The Greater Dallas Area

athlete joined SOTX four years ago and is an athletics(track and field) and basketball star.

Brown has participated in state athletics,kayaking and sailing events. Outside of competing, heenjoys playing games and watching movies.

GABRIEL CANTU31 years old

BaytownVolleyballGabe Cantu is no stranger tocompeting in World Games. Hesnow preparing for his third time as

a World Games competitor! The volleyball and soccerathlete joined SOTX more than 20 years ago and stillgets excited about competing, traveling to differentplaces and meeting new people. Cantu has won morethan 100 medals at SOTX competitions, and in 2008, he

won the MVP award in soccer.In his spare time, he l ikes to buy shoes and of

course, play sports.

KEVIN COLLINS25 years old

ArlingtonBocceKevin Collins is a two-time WorldGames competitor. The volleyball,basketball and bocce athlete became

a SOTX competitor 25 years ago, and has developedquite a medal and ribbon collection since then. He looks

forward to going for the gold in Greece and visiting themany historic places about which he has read.

Collins hobbies are collecting angels, crossesand rocks. He also likes going to garage sales, listeningto music and dancing.

JARED CROWLEY22 years oldSan AntonioSoftballJared Crowley stays busy withbasketball, bowling, softball,volleyball and athletics (track and

field). The 11-year SOTX athlete looks forward to

sharing his first World Games experience with histeammates. Crowleys skills arent limited to sports; hegot the chance to play the part of Robin Hood in a playabout the animated character, Shrek.

When hes not participating in SOTX events,Crowley enjoys playing basketball, softball and Wii.

REED FATHEREE24 years oldSan AntonioSoftballReed Fatheree is a softball, basketball

and volleyball athlete. He joined themovement 12 years ago and is ecstaticabout representing Team USA at his first World Games.A star athlete and student, Fatheree earned ReaganHigh Schools Principal Award for Most School Spirit.He also served as Team Manager for R.H.S. varsitybaseball team.

Fatheree is a Facility Operations Team Memberat Lifetime Fitness Center in San Antonio. In his sparetime, he enjoys playing video games.


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KENNETH FRIEDRICH67 years old

DossGolf - Unified PartnerKenneth Friedrich only startedparticipating as a Unified Partnerwith SOTX a year ago, but the

organization has already changed his li fe. Friedrich saidits because of SOTX athletes that he has a differentoutlook on what life is really about.

This Games marks Friedrichs first WorldGames experience. He is excited about competingalongside his partner, Billy, and calls the opportunityan honor and a blessing. When hes not on thegreens, his hobbies are farming, hunting and dancing.

HEATHER FRIEL28 years oldSpringBowlingAfter 17 years as a SOTX athlete,Heather Friel competes in Unifiedbowling and Unified golf. She

hopes that her inaugural World Games will introduceher to new friends from all over the world. Shes alsoexcited about the opportunity to learn all about Greece.

Friel was the Greater Houston Areas 2002

Female Athlete of the Year and also co-emceed the 2010Summer Games Opening Ceremonies. She serves asa Global Messenger and is a participant in the LennarLife and Work Skills Program. Friel is a customerservice associate for Kohls department store. She enjoyswalking her dog, taking pictures, doing arts and crafts,sewing pil lows and talking on the phone.

MARCUS GARY23 years oldHoustonKayaking

Greece will mark the second WorldGames experience for Marcus Gary.He competes in 10 different sports,

including tennis, sail ing, cycling, golf, softball andvolleyball. Gary joined SOTX 10 years ago and hasenjoyed meeting so many different people throughoutthe years. Competing in World Games taught him a lotabout how other people from different places live.

Gary is a courtesy clerk at Kroger grocerystore. He is also an Eagle Scout and certified scubadiver. He enjoys cycling, kayaking, reading and sports.

JNINE GRETZ24 years old

WindcrestSoftballJNine Gretz started playing softball14 years ago. The 25-year-oldathlete never imagined that her love

for the sport would lead her to her inaugural WorldGames competition. Gretz also participates in athletics,bowling and basketball. She has been a part of themovement for 15 years; she loves the competition, herteammates and coaches, and the opportunity to travel.

When she isnt practicing her swing, Gretzenjoys music, shopping, computer games and taking careof her dog. Of course, she is also a huge sports fan and

loves her hometown team - the San Antonio Spurs!

JUSTIN HANSEN22 years oldSan AntonioSoftballJustin Hansen looks forward to hisinaugural World Games competition.The softball, volleyball and

basketball athlete joined the movement 10 years ago andcredits SOTX with providing him with the chance of ali fetime traveling internationally and meeting people

from di fferent parts of the world. He also enjoys thesupport of his dad, who is a SOTX coach.Hansen works at Jasons Deli in San Antonio

and enjoys listening to music.

BILLY HARRIS28 years old

FredericksburgGolfBilly Harris competes in athletics(track and field), bocce, bowlingand golf with SOTX. He joined

the organization 13 years ago and competed in his firstNational Games in 2010. Harris uses every opportunityto spread the word about Special Olympics Texas andis proud to finally reach his goal of competing at WorldGames.

Harris was the Central Texas Areas 2008Athlete of the Year and Junior Head Starts Volunteer ofthe Year. He is currently a substitute custodian for theFredericksburg I.S.D., and likes making beaded jewelryand playing video games in his spare time.

MEET THE THLETES


13/2011

WAYNE HOFFMAN22 years old

San AntonioSoftballWayne Hoffman is ready to addanother World Games medal tohis collection. In 2007, Hoffman

competed in World Games in China, where he earneda silver medal in basketball. Involved in the movement

for more than eight years, he competes in softball,basketball, aquatics, bowling and athletics. He looks

forward to meeting new people.Off the field, Hoffman works at H-E-B

grocery store. He enjoys playing basketbal l and videogames.

ANDERSON JONES31 years old

DallasSailing - Unified PartnerAnderson Jones has been a part ofSpecial Olympics Texas for five years,participating as a Unified Partner.

He enjoys sharing his sailing knowledge with athletesand helping them build sel f confidence. Jones says heis excited to share this amazing experience with theathletes and take in everything that World Games has

to offer. When he isnt out on the water, Jones worksat Tenet Healthcare. He was awarded the 2008 NormWatkins Award from Corinthian Sailing Club forsportsmanship and the 2009 Sportsmanship Award

from Southeast College Group. He was a high schooland collegiate football player. Jones likes to unwind bysailing, camping and hiking.

JOHN LAKEY37 years oldHouston

VolleyballJohn Lakey loves to serve up thecompetition on the volleyballcourt. The Houston area athlete

also competes in softball and basketball. Lakey saysparticipating in SOTX has improved his attitude, andgiven him the opportunity to see different parts of theworld and meet new people.

Lakey enjoys relaxing by playing volleyball.He is proud of being named Athlete of the Year whenhe was in school.

LISA LEPLEY34 years old

HoustonVolleyballWhen Lisa Lepley competes atWorld Games, it will be on thevolleyball court. An athlete for 25

years, she also competes in aquatics, basketball, bowlingand softball. Lepley enjoys competing because shemeets new people and travels to new places. It isnther first worldly experience; she participated in aquaticsat the 1999 World Games. In 2008, she was namedFemale Athlete of the Year for the Greater Houston areaand state.

Off the court, Lepley works as a courtesy

clerk at Randalls grocery store. She enjoys relaxing bylistening to music and dancing.

BOBBY LORD30 years oldWebsterKayakingBobby Lord is ready to paddlehis way to a gold medal at WorldGames. A SOTX athlete for more

than 20 years, he is excited to compete in kayaking.In 2006, Lord competed in powerlifting at National

Games, where he deadl ifted 606 lbs. At the 2007World Games in China, he earned two gold medals anda silver medal in powerlifting. Lord says SOTX hashelped him make friends, see the world and learn newsports.

When he isnt on the water, Lord works atMagnolia Creek Golf Links doing cart maintenance. Heattends several aerobics classes a week and participatesin ballroom dancing competitions, where he has won 18

first place ribbons for smooth and Latin dancing.

ERIC MARTINEZ

18 years oldSan AntonioSoftballEric Martinez cant wait to step upto bat during the softball competitionat World Games. He says SOTX has

given him the opportunity to socialize and be a partof a team. He looks forward to giving his all at WorldGames and hopes to win a medal.

Off the field, Martinez enjoys playing sportsand video games, and learning how to drive a car.


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AMANDA MICKAN23 years old

RichmondCyclingAmanda Mickan is ready to pedalthrough the streets of Athens inthe cycling competition. She also

participates in aquatics, golf, basketball, softball,tennis and volleybal l. Mickan competed at the 2007World Games, earning a silver medal and fourth placein tennis. She is involved in the Athlete LeadershipProgram and hopes to become a Global Messenger oneday.

When she isnt busy with SOTX, Mickan isattending classes at Houston Community College. She

served as the 2010 Eagles Club president, was namedVolunteer of the Year for CAP and held the position ofsecretary for the area Athlete Leadership Program.

WESLEY MURPHY22 years old

FriendswoodVolleyballWesley Murphy loves volleybal l. Healso participates in golf and tennis.He says he enjoys being on a team

and meeting new people.

In addition to participating in SOTX, Murphyworks in customer relations at Murphy Brothers PaintCompany. He enjoys playing golf and swimming inhis spare time. Murphy is a graduate of the BriarwoodSchool, where he was the president of his StudentCouncil.

ASHLEY MUTH23 years oldSan AntonioSoftballAshley Muth looks forward to

stepping onto the softball field atWorld Games. She also participatesin basketball and volleyball. Muth was named the SanAntonio area Female Athlete of the Year in 2007 andbecame a Global Messenger in 2006. Among her manyaccomplishments, she competed in the 2007 WorldGames in China, earning a silver medal with her team inbasketball.

Outside of SOTX, Muth stays busy working asa food server at McAlisters Deli. She enjoys listeningto music and going to the movies.

VANESSA PARRA24 years old

San AntonioSoftballVanessa Parra loves being part of ateam. The San Antonio area athletecant wait to compete in softball at

World Games. Parra also participates in basketball,bowling, volleybal l, aquatics and athletics. She sayscompeting has increased her self-esteem and has givenher a chance to travel. An athlete for 12 years, she wasnamed Athlete of Year in 2008.

Parra stays busy off the field, too. Shegraduated from San Antonio College and received acertificate as a child development associate. She is

CPR and first aid certified. Parra enjoys playing on herGame Boy, coloring, watching TV and playing sports.

BRYAN PEREZ26 years oldSan AntonioSoftballBryan Perez looks forward tocompeting on a global stage at WorldGames. He will compete in softball,

which is an experience he calls a dream come true!Perez credits SOTX for helping him success fully get out

of his wheelchair and move from walking to running.He is proud of having been named Athlete of the Yearin 2006.

Off the field, Perez enjoys playing video games,watching sports and listening to music. He is excited tomeet new people and travel to Greece.

CODY PORTER23 years oldSan AntonioSoftballCody Porter is excited to travel

across the globe to compete in WorldGames. Though he will competein softball, Porter also participates in bowling andbasketball. He had been involved in the movement for14 years and says involvement has taught him how to bepart of a team.

Away from SOTX, Porter enjoys dancing andreading. He graduated high school as an honor rollstudent.

MEET THE THLETES


15/2013

KATHERINE RICHARDS21 years old

HoustonVolleyballKatherine Richards is excited tocompete in volleyball in Greece. ASOTX athlete for 8 years, she al so

participates in golf and tennis. Richards was namedthe Greater Houston area Athlete of the Year in 2008,Female Athlete of the Year for the state in 2009and is involved in the Athlete Leadership Program,volunteering more than 300 hours of community servicea year. In 2010, she traveled to Italy to compete intennis and to Nebraska for the National Games.

Off the court, Richards works at Core

Concepts, a wellness studio. She is a student at LoneStar Community College and plays on the schoolstennis team. She enjoys traveling, going to the theaterand doing puzzles.

CHRISTIAN SUMMERS17 years oldSan AntonioSoftballChristian Summers cant wait tocombine the two things he loves sports and traveling. He is excited to

go to Greece and compete against teams from aroundthe world. Summers says his involvement with SpecialOlympics Texas helps him focus and learn new sportsskills.

When hes not on the softball field, Summersenjoys listening to music.

KATHY THOMPSON38 years oldThe WoodlandsBocceKathy Thompson loves to get

involved in every aspect of theSOTX movement. An athlete for 8years, she competes in bocce, bowling and cycling. Inaddition to participating in sports, Thompson lendsher voice to spread the word about SOTX; she is aGlobal Messenger and a member of the SOTX SpeakersBureau. Thompson says her involvement has helped herto meet people and make a difference for other athletes.

Thompson stays busy by working as an usher atCinemark Theater. She enjoys reading and doing crafts.

PATRICIA THREATT29 years old

HoustonVolleyballPatricia Threatt is ready to bringthe heat to the volleyball court. Anathlete for 17 years, she also competes

in tennis and golf. Among her many accomplishments,Threatt is proud to have been selected as volleyballteam captain for four years. She says that she haslearned to be more independent and meet new peoplethrough SOTX.

When shes not working on her serve, Threattenjoys reading, playing volleyball with friends, ridingher bike and playing on the computer. She attends

Houston Community College.

FRANK TUCKER22 years oldHoustonVolleyballFrank Tucker is going for gold.Excited to be a part of the WorldGames experience, he looks forward

to competing in volleybal l. Tucker, who has been anathlete for 15 years, also competes in basketball andsoccer. He loves enjoying sports of all kinds and

meeting new people.Off the field, Tucker works at the BrookwoodCommunity. He is a proud high school graduate of theBriarwood School, where he served as Student Councilpresident. His hobbies include playing video games,bowling and hooping it up on the basketball court.

LINDSEY WESNESKI21 years oldHoustonVolleyballLindsey Wesneski serves up the

competition every time she steps onthe court. The volleyball athlete alsoparticipates in tennis and golf. In 2006, she competedin volleyball at the inaugural National Games in Ames,Iowa. Wesneski says her 8 years of involvement withSOTX has helped her meet new people and compete inthe sports she loves.

Off the court, Wesneski enjoys going toStarbucks, playing on Facebook, talking on the phoneand playing sports. Among her accomplishments, she isproud to know how to drive a car and have a job.


16/2014

SUSAN DONALDSON

HoustonVolleyball Coach

Susan Donaldson started hercoaching career with SOTX 10 years

ago, and is certified in tennis, softball, golf, soccerand Unified Sports. Shes thrilled about her inauguralWorld Games experience.

Coach Donaldson believes that no matter what onesdisability is, everyone can and should participate insports because inclusion can change lives. She hasmore than 20 years of experience working with men

and women with intellectual disabilities. Donaldsonis currently employed with Special Kids Care HomeHealth in Houston.

TERRY HANSEN

San AntonioSoftball Coach

Terry Hansen loves to see SOTXathletes achieve their goals. The

proud father of a SOTX athlete, Hansen coaches

basketball and softball. He instills patience and positiveattitudes in the athletes he coaches, while encouragingeveryone to have fun.

ALAN HIRSHMAN

HoustonGolf Coach

Alan Hirshman has been a part of theSpecial Olympics Texas family for 16

years and is a certified coach and trainer. The proud

parent of a SOTX athlete, he got involved to serve ashis sons Unified Partner and coach in golf and bocce,and to help athletes improve themselves and succeed. Ilove to teach the athletes to be the best they can and tohave fun doing it, explains Hirshman. He is excitedabout attending World Games to coach the athletes,make new friends, enjoy that level of experience andwitness the gratification athletes get competing for theircountries.

Hirshman has worked for Dannenbaum EngineeringCorp. as a Senior Project Manager for 32 years. He

enjoys playing golf and racquetball, watching all sports,reading and traveling with family.

JUSTIN HOFSTETTER


Justin Hofstetter started coachingSOTX athletes eight years ago, after

getting involved with the movement by performingcommunity service. Over the years, his love for theathletes grew, and today, his goal is to teach themeverything he can to ensure their success. Hofstetter isexcited about coaching at his first World Games.

TAYLOR LEPLEY

HoustonVolleyball Coach

Taylor Lepley is excited to takepart in his first World Games as a

coach. Lepley has been involved in the movement formore than 15 years and is the proud parent of a SOTX

athlete. He coaches softball and basketba ll.

When he isnt leading a practice session, Lepley worksas a petroleum industry consultant. He enjoys skeet andsporting clays shooting, gardening, and country andswing dancing.

SHIRLEY MENDOZA

HoustonTennis Coach

Coach Shirley Mendoza loves thesport of tennis, and looks forwardto World Games to be a part of something larger thanhersel f and to do something positive in the world. Shehas been involved with Special Olympics Texas for threeyears, and says her involvement keeps her humble andgrounded. Mendoza points out, I love what this sporthas done for me and I believe it is my responsibility togive back to the sport through my passion of adaptivetennis.

MEET THECOACHES


17/2015

A sel f-employed tennis pro, Mendoza is a lso theco-owner of womens tennis apparel brand, K-Claw.

Her hobbies include surfing and traveling the world.

KEN PORTER


Ken Porter cant wait to seeSOTX athletes shine at World

Games. Porter has been a SOTX coach for five yearsand enjoys watching the athletes grow. Known for hispositive attitude, he encourages his athletes to displaygood sportsmanship and have fun.

TERESA SULLIVAN


Teresa Sull ivan wears many hats for Special Olympics. Involved for

15 years, she has served as a Head of Delegation andcoached bowling, basketball, athletics and softball.Sullivan says she thinks of the athletes as her family andenjoys seeing them train and compete.

JACK YOES

HoustonSailing Coach

Jack Yoes has been involvedwith SOTX for 22 years; he

is a coach, Unified Partner, and proud parentof an athlete. Yoes loves sailing, and is excitedto be a part of coaching athletes to compete inhis favorite sport at World Games. I love the

competitive feel at high level competitions and thejoy from the athletes who participate, he says.This event is a great one and I am excited aboutbeing involved.

When Yoes isnt participating in SOTX events, heworks as the Regional Service Manager for UOP.In his free time, he spends as much time as he cansailing and golfing.


18/2016

SERGEANT LANCE KOPPAHighland Park Department ofPublic SafetySpecial Olympics Texas i s proudto be represented in the Final Legby Sergeant Lance Koppa of theHighland Park Department of Public

Safety. He was selected by law enforcement officialsstatewide to represent Texas and the United Statesin the Final Leg run. Speaking about being selected

for the Final Leg team, Koppa said, I am at a loss forwords to describe my excitement to participate in such ahuge event as the World Games! This is, by leaps andbounds, the greatest honor that I have ever received.Period.

Sergeant Koppa joined the Highland Park Departmentof Public Safety 11 years ago, and has been a memberof the Special Olympics Texas and Law EnforcementTorch Run families for eight years. He was named

Special Olympics Texas Greater Dal las Areas2009 Community Leader of theYear and theHighland ParkDepartment ofPublic Safetys2004 Officerof the Year.When he isntdedicatinghis time tosupportingSOTX,he enjoysparticipatingin triathlons,long distancecycling andtrying his bestto keep a niceyard.

FINAL LEG RUNAs an important part of the

World Games, the TorchRun Final Leg will heightenawareness and take the message of Special Olympicsand the World Games to every corner of Greece, aswell as to Cyprus and Istanbul. Law enforcementofficials and Special Olympics athletes, unified togetheras a part of the Final Leg team, will serve as trueGuardians of the Flame and promote the powerfulmessages of inclusion, acceptance, and ability everystep of the three-week journey to promote the WorldGames.

The 2011 Final Leg will begin with the Lighting of

the Flame at the Sacred Site of Pnyx, opposite theAcropolis of Athens, in Greece on June 9. In keepingwith the tradition, the rays of the sun light the Flameand the entire ceremony will take place along the l inesof the original Torch Lighting of the Olympics Games.On June 10, Torch Runners split into three teams andthe journey of the Flame begins. It will cover scoresof cities, towns, and communities on the way to theOpening Ceremonies in Athens on June 25.

FINAL LEG MISSIONCreate awareness and excitement for Special

Olympics and the World Summer GamesEncourage support and attendance of the WorldSummer Games

Serve as Guardians of the Flame by maintaining andprotecting the Flame of Hope until the l ighting ofthe cauldron at the World Summer Games OpeningCeremonies

Showcase the abilities and involvement of theSpecial Olympics athletes who serve on the unifiedFinal Leg team as well as highlight local athletes atceremonies

Proudly represent Law Enforcement and Torch Runprograms from around the world as a symbol oftheir deep commitment to the athletes of SpecialOlympics

Involve, inspire and motivate Law EnforcementTorch Run and Special Olympics athleteparticipants to increase their level of commitmentto Special Olympics when they return to their homeprograms

GLOBALLAWENFORCEMENT

TORCHRUN


19/2017

Please read through the following language guidelinesand refer to them when speaking or writing aboutSpecial Olympics Texas and our athletes. Thank you

for your cooperation and attention to appropriateterminology; your efforts help us properly educate thepublic.

APPROPRIATE TERMINOLOGYA person has intellectual disabilities, rather thanis mental ly retarded; is suffering from, is a fflictedwith, or is a victim of mental retardation orintellectual disabilities.

Distinguish between adults and children withintellectual disabilities. Use adults or children orolder or younger athletes.

Refer to participants in Special Olympics asathletes. In no case should the word appear inquotation marks. Do not refer to athletes as SpecialOlympians or Special Olympic athletes; the correct

reference is Special Olympics athletes.Use the words Special Olympics Texas whenreferring to the organization. Do NOT use TexasSpecia l Olympics or Special Olympics of Texas;both are incorrect usages.

TERMINOLOGY TO AVOIDDo not use the label kids when referring toSpecia l Olympics athletes. Adult athletes are anintegral part of the program.

Do not use the word the in front of Special

Olympics unless describing a specific SpecialOlympics event or official. Saying the Specia lOlympics implies that Special Olympics is a oncea year event when, in fact, it is a year-roundmovement.

Do not refer to Special Olympics Texas as TexasSpecia l Olympics or Special Olympics of Texas.The correct re ference is Special Olympics Texas.

Do not use the word special when talking aboutpeople with intellectual disabilities. The term isdistancing and inappropriate and describes thatwhich is different about any person.

Do not sensationalize the accomplishments of peoplewith disabilities. While their accomplishmentsshould be recognized and applauded, people in the

disability rights movement have tried to make thepublic aware of the negative impact of referring tothe achievements of physically or mentally challengedpeople with excessive hyperbole.

ANGUAGEGUIDELINES


20/20


7715 Chevy Chase Drive, Suite 120Austin, Texas 78752

Phone: 512.835.9873 or 800.876.5646Fax: 512.835.7756Email: [email protected]

WWW.SPECIALOLYMPICSTEXAS.ORG

OFFICIAL YEAR-ROUND PARTNERS:


715 Chevy Chase Drive, Suite 120ustin, Texas 78752

Phone: 512.835.9873 or 800.876.5646Fax: 512.835.7756

mail: [email protected]

WWW.SPECIALOLYMPICSTEXAS.ORG

OFFICIAL YEAR OUND PARTNERS:

special olympics texas 2011 world games media guide

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