Five athletes from across North Carolina have been selected to represent the United States at the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, Greece, according to Keith L. Fishburne, Special Olympics North Carolina president/CEO.   As part of Special Olympics Team USA, these athletes will compete against athletes from more than 185 countries around the world. These World Games will be held at the birthplace of the Olympics and are scheduled to run from June 25 to July 4, 2011.

Athletics (track & field)                                                                    
Amanda Bass of Cabarrus County
Andy Delafield of Guilford/Greensboro                                 

Gymnastics                                                                        �
Monica Hernandez of Wake County          

Bowling
Brandon Crawford of Currituck County
Heather Pardue of Wayne County

North Carolina will also be represented at the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games by the following: Marissa Brzecinski of Davie County as an Equestrian coach; Donna Mooneyham as an Aquatics coach; Dr. Tim Taft of Chapel Hill as the Medical Director for Special Olympics Team USA; and Andrea Stamm as an Assistant Sport Manager for Equestrian of Special Olympics Team USA.

Team USA will consist of about 300 athletes from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Athletes will compete in Athletics, Aquatics, Bocce, Bowling, Canoeing, Cycling, Equestrian, Golf, Gymnastics, Powerlifting, Sailing, Tennis, Basketball, Soccer, Softball and Volleyball. They will be accompanied by about 120 coaches and support staff who represent 39 states.  Before the World Games, Special Olympics Team USA will have the opportunity to meet, train and bond as a team at the Team USA Training Camp in San Diego March 28 – April 1, 2011.

“Our  five athletes from North Carolina 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.”

During the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, Greece, the “land of fair play.” more than 7,500 athletes from 185 countries will compete in 22 different Olympic-type sports.   More than 25,000 volunteers are needed and more than 40,000 family members will be on hand cheering the athletes on.  Special Olympics athletes not competing in World Games will also play an important leadership role by acting as officials, assistant coaches, reporters and spokespeople.

Read more about the selection process for the North Carolina delegation and find out about volunteer opportunities in Greece here.