Local athletes representing team Alabama head to Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – Forty-five native athletes and their coaches representing crew Alabama acquired a hero’s send-off.

There was numerous cheering and indicators of encouragement from household and pals earlier than the athletes departed to Orlando to compete within the 2022 Particular Olympics USA Video games.

“They’re very excited, as a result of they publish on Fb day-after-day like at some point left, two days, in order that they counted it down,” mentioned Dana Evans, one of many basketball coaches.

The athletes hailing from Washington County have earned their spots and have been coaching for this very second for 3 months.

“I be ok with it.”

“I’m excited,” mentioned among the athletes.

They’ll be competing in bocce ball, basketball, golf and cheerleading.

Tony Haig performs on the basketball crew and mentioned his inspiration going into the video games is NBA star Steph Curry and plans to play similar to him.

“I’ll be desirous about him on the market. I’m going to go on the market, and get the gold medal, and check out my greatest, play arduous, work arduous, play like champions work like champions,” mentioned Haig.

The key sporting occasion occurs as soon as each 4 years. For most of the athletes, will probably be their first time competing at this scale and their first time away from dwelling and household. Tony mentioned he’s not nervous, nicely possibly just a bit.

“I’m excited and the whole lot and it’s arduous for me however I’m not nervous, I’m not nervous, however I’m just a little nervous as a result of I’m going to overlook my dad and mom.”

Katie Copp, who’s on the bocce ball crew has competed within the Particular Olympics USA Video games 3 times says she’s feeling good.

The crew might be staying at Disney resorts with the park being opened to simply the athletes on Thursday, including to the athletes’ pleasure, which is already working excessive.

The video games not solely give the athletes an opportunity to point out off their bodily health but additionally permits them to share their presents and expertise with their pals, household and the world.

Staff Alabama mentioned they’ve gold on their minds and hope to make everybody in Cellular proud.

The video games will run from June 5 to June 12. The opening ceremony might be at midday on Sunday. You possibly can tune into ABC and ESPN to catch all of the motion.

Good luck, crew Alabama!

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