At Heritage Aviation, family, friends and supporters gathered to give Team Vermont a send-off as they head to the Special Olympics USA Games. More than 30 athletes from Special Olympics Vermont will represent the Green Mountain State at the national competition.
SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. —
At Heritage Aviation, family, friends and supporters gathered to give Team Vermont a send-off as they head to the Special Olympics USA Games. More than 30 athletes from Special Olympics Vermont will represent the Green Mountain State at the national competition.
“It will be different, but I’m used to like swimming against a lot of people. But I’m not used to other people from 50 states, so. But I think I’ll be able to do it,” said Colleen Duffy, a Vermont Special Olympics athlete.
After months of training and preparation, the athletes will spend the next week competing alongside more than 4,000 athletes from all 50 states.
“I’m just ready to be there and have fun with my team of Team USA Vermont,” said Daniel Goodrow, a Vermont Special Olympics athlete.
For many athletes, the journey to the USA Games is the result of years of dedication and hard work.
“It’s very cool to be able to represent my state in a national level,” said Kevin Conger, a Vermont Special Olympics athlete. “You touch just like go out there, have fun. And if I managed to win the gold, that’ll just be the cherry on top.”
Supporters showed up at the airport to wish the athletes well on their way to the Midwest. They say Special Olympics represents more than just competition.
“Special Olympics is such an important and special organization to Vermont and across this country. I think the organization really represents all of the values that Vermont puts forward every single day. Values of dignity and inclusion and respect,” said Mike Pieciak, Vermont state treasurer.
Team Vermont will compete in several sports throughout the week, and athletes say they’re ready to make their state proud both on and off the field of play.
“I know that Team Vermont is going to really bring it home. Go get ’em,” said Kate Bove, Special Olympics Vermont athlete representative.
The athletes will return on Saturday with memories, and potentially medals, from the national games.
You can find the article here: https://www.mynbc5.com/article/team-vermont-send-off/71639645
