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  "Tweet!"
The piercing sound of referee Devon Lowry's whistle brings a halt to the
action on the basketball court at Concord High School in Cabarrus County
during the 2006 Special Olympics NC Basketball Tournament & Cheerleading
Championship. Lowry indicates a holding violation and then pats the culprit
on the back and explains to him how to avoid the foul next time. Lowry
has been a Special Olympics volunteer for three years and thoroughly enjoys
his time around Special Olympics athletes.
"My crazy aunt (Lisa Frazier, Special Olympics Lincoln County local
coordinator) got me involved and I love the interaction with athletes,"
said Lowry.
Sports have always been a mainstay in Lowry's life. This gifted athlete
excelled in basketball, football and baseball during his high school years.
When he wasn't running up and down the court calling games over the Feb.24-26
weekend his thoughts turned to the diamond. Two days after the Special
Olympics state-level event Lowry would put down his whistle and grab his
glove for spring training with the Kansas City Royals organization in
Arizona. Last season Lowry played AA ball with the Wichita Wranglers.
"I've put my college education on hold to pursue my pro baseball
opportunities," said the right-handed pitcher. "If pro baseball
doesn't work out though, I know what I want to pursue next-a degree in
special education from UNC-Chapel Hill."
Being a professional athlete was an advantage the weekend of the Tournament
because the referees worked back-to-back-to-back games over a more than
eight hour span. His feet were sore by the end of the day but the strength,
courage, joy, excitement and sportsmanship he witnessed during the day
were all worth it.
"It's a joy to see them so happy just to play a sport," said
the 23-year-old. "The Special Olympics athletes are so competitive,
dedicated and spirited! Their attitude humbles me and inspires me to play
that much harder at my own game."
Keep an eye out for Lowry on a big league mound in the next several
years and don't be surprised to see him at Special Olympics North Carolina
events when he's home.
Nominate a person to be featured in "Spotlight On"
-Contact Leah Sundheim at 1-800-843-6276,
ext. 110.
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