Team USA golfer David Curtin with professional golfer Stephanie Louden

Special Olympics athletes continually show the world what they can do through the power of the human spirit.  This is true of Team USA golf athlete David Curtin.  David has been training and competing in Special Olympics golf and softball events for more than 16 years.  He trains each fall and spring at the Burke Lake Golf Course in Fairfax County, Va. 

On May 2, David and fellow Team USA golf athlete Grace Anne Braxton were part of a foursome playing in a pro-am tournament.  The course play was awesome, and a birdie was one of his accolades for the day.  

The fun continued the next day at the LPGA Invitational Pro-Am tournament. The organizers, Azalea Charities, asked David to help with the tournament as well as watch some rounds of golf.  When he arrived, there was an open spot for a golfer, and David eagerly signed on with LPGA golfer Stephanie Louden.   Stephanie took second place in the tournament and helped David score a 107 for 18 holes.  This was an awesome opportunity and a fantastic round of golf!               

Special Olympics has given David the opportunity to compete in sports in a structured setting and make new friends.  He has gained self-confidence that has helped him in his job at Smart Wash, an ecologically green car wash.  He also provides lawn mowing services for several of his neighbors.  While David puts a lot of hard work into his jobs and Special Olympics, he also takes time to enjoy listening to music, watching movies and following Redskins and Braves games. 

In preparation for golf competition at the Special Olympics World Games in Athens, Greece, David trains each day by playing Wii games, riding his bike, and playing golf.  He is excited to participate in the 2011 World Games in Athens!

Catherine Tagliareni, Brittany’s mother, stumbled upon a Special Olympics tennis competition while on vacation at Hilton Head. Now, three years later, Brittany will compete in the 2011 Special Olympics World Games in Athens.

Talking to her now, you would find it hard to believe Brittany was once a reserved girl, struggling to make friends. Once she began to compete, though, “her whole life totally changed,” says Catherine.

At school, Brittany was once quiet with only a few friends. Through Special Olympics, she has overcome her shyness and now describes herself as confident and happy. “She is eternally optimistic and has repeatedly told us, without prompting, that she loves her life,” says Tony Tagliareni, Brittany’s father.

Brittany loves to attend tennis lessons and play with her brother. She has been entirely dedicated to her love of the game. The highlights of Brittany’s day, though, are marked by the conversations, e-mails and text messages that she exchanges with her friends from Special Olympics.

“She talks to people all the time,” says Catherine. “She sees them 3-4 times a year but is always e-mailing and calling them. She has made so many friends through Special Olympics.”

Brittany will be competing in tennis against athletes from all over the world. “I’m very excited,” she says. “I like competing and being with my teammates.”

 Although she loves being with her friends, it is no secret that Brittany has a competitive streak, as well. She won the gold medal in tennis singles three years in a row at Special Olympics Florida State Championship and another gold medal at the Special Olympics National Tennis Tournament.

Brittany’s parents will also be traveling to Greece to watch her compete. “We are so thrilled she is going to World [Games] and so happy they chose her,” Catherine says. “It is such an honor that Special Olympics is recognizing her and giving her these opportunities. We are so proud she is representing the United States.”

Watch a clip of Brittany practicing from her local Fox station, WOFL.

By Jane Monaghan

Brady Tanner takes a break during training at the Special Olympics Team USA Training Camp in San Diego.

“Brady was born two months premature on Jan. 4, 1980. He weighed a little over 4 pounds and could practically fit in the palm of his dad’s hands,” said Brady’s mom Janie. At age 2, he was not saying any words or walking.

Brady was diagnosed with Rubenstein-Taybi Syndrome, which delays mental growth and impairs speech. Brady still struggles with communication today, but he and Janie use their own form of sign language, pictures and/or gestures to make up any communication discrepancies the two may have.

Brady’s younger sisters, Jamie and Jennifer, have provided a great deal of support to their brother and their parents. “Both daughters have helped me cope so much when things got tough,” said Janie. “Being a parent, you always want what is best for your child, especially a child with special needs.”

After a difficult childhood, things improved when Brady was in junior high school. The football coach made Brady manager of the team, which proved to be a terrific social outlet for him. Brady continued managing football teams throughout high school. “It was heart-warming for me to see how the boys on the team cared for him and took care of him,” said Janie.

Brady has been helping the Haskell Indian Nations University football team for more than 20 years, along with being a special student there. He also worked at Mrs. E’s on Kansas University’s campus for more than 10 years, and is a strong competitor in Special Olympics.

It is not hard to see why people are drawn to Brady. He has an easygoing personality and a lust for life that can only be described as contagious. Brady’s dad, Gary, runs the Haskell exercise science program. He jokes about his loss of popularity and how he is now being overshadowed by his son. “I’m not Gary Tanner anymore. I’m Brady’s dad,” Gary said, laughing.

Brady’s success stems from the potential a football team member saw in him. He asked Brady’s parents about working out with him, after seeing the potential he had in weightlifting. Brady found the workouts fun, and weightlifting clicked. He now lifts more than the Haskell football players training across the room from him.

And through Brady’s participation in Special Olympics, he gained another family and a new life. Brady feels at home when he’s on the bench press or the squat rack, and his hard work has more than paid off. Brady was selected to go to the first National Special Olympics Summer Games in Ames, Iowa, in 2006. Five years later, he will compete in the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, Greece.

Brady has had tremendous success both in and outside the gym, “Through the years, Brady continued to learn and we continued to give him opportunities to learn,” said Janie.

Brady’s support system is a large reason for his accomplishments thus far. Although his mom Janie has been a vital part of Brady’s training, she does not take all the credit. “His dad was the true coach of his powerlifting but my main job was of compassionate service,” she says. Janie has learned the technique of powerlifting and spotting so she was able to step in when Gary was out of town traveling for work.

Through his success, Brady has inspired other powerlifting organizations to add a special needs  category to their roster when he joined. Brady has also received a number of outstanding awards including National Courage Award, Athlete of the Year, World Champion, Outstanding Lifter Award and Powerlifting and Power Sport National Champion.

Powerlifting is not the only Special Olympics sport Brady competes in. He has medaled in basketball and cheerleading, and also competes in soccer, volleyball, softball and athletics.

Andy got involved in Special Olympics activities at the age of 5. He tried competing in a few different sports, and over time his love for running came to the forefront.  Running is a sport Andy and his family consider to be a true accomplishment for him due to some of the obstacles and medical complications he has faced in life.  Andy was born with a club foot, had a cast on his leg as early as 1 month old, and had corrective surgery before the age of 2.

Though Andy has always had one foot and leg that is smaller than the other, he has never let that get in the way of his passion for athletics. “The foot is a whole shoe size smaller than the other, and the other leg is shorter, but he doesn’t let it slow him down,” says Andy’s mother, Marilyn Delafield. “He just gets out there and runs and does it.”

Andy started out competing in sprints, but decided to pursue longer distances after overcoming another obstacle in his life.  In 2008, Andy was diagnosed with testicular cancer, the same cancer cyclist Lance Armstrong conquered.  After going through treatment and chemotherapy, Andy became more and more determined to not be sick anymore.  Running was an activity he did to feel strong and healthy, and it was only a few short weeks after he was diagnosed as cancer-free that he was back on his feet doing exactly what he loved.

“After the last scan and the chemotherapy – it takes a lot out of you – he started running a little,” said his mom. “He didn’t seem to take it as mentally as hard as other people. When he was better, he thought, ‘Well, I’m well.’ Every day he got a little stronger, and once he took off, we couldn’t stop him!”

His last treatment was at the end of June 2008, and two months later on Labor Day weekend, he successfully completed a 1-mile race without even having his hair back yet.  From that point on, it seemed as though Andy was becoming an unstoppable runner. Over the next two to three years, Andy not only continued to run for fun and in races, but he also became more health conscientious.  He lost more than 50 pounds, and even worked his way up to running a 10K race. Then, in December 2009, Andy successfully completed a half-marathon, overcoming a grueling course with steep hills and weather including sleet and rain.  His family and local coach, Linda Stell, have supported him every step of the way and continue to be amazed and proud of his winning abilities and spirit.

“It’s weird, you hear a lot of people say that when they beat cancer they have a different outlook on life, even in someone with developmental disabilities,” said his mom. “He knows what the word cancer means, that it’s pretty serious and that you can die from it. After that [cancer] he thought, ‘I don’t want to be sick anymore. I want to be fit and strong.’ His coach really motivated him. The coach said, ‘if Andy wants to run, I’ll run with him.’ ”

Now that he’s been chosen to compete in the World Games, Andy and his coach train three to four times a week at the track at the American Hebrew Academy in Greensboro. His mother said the school has been very generous in letting Andy use their facility to train along with one of their top runners. Andy runs every day and is known for finishing his workouts with some push-ups!  He started the tradition after completing a Marines Corps race in Greensboro.   See video of Andy doing push-ups with the Marines.

Andy has a never-give-up attitude and describes himself as a “super-star.”   He is loved by his friends, family and community, all of which are extremely supportive of his involvement in Special Olympics and upcoming competition in Greece. Though Andy looks forward to site-seeing, eating different foods and swimming in the beautiful city of Athens, he is especially excited to be in a big stadium and hear people cheer for him.  His goal in Greece is to do his best and win a gold medal.

“I feel good when I run a race,” said Andy. “I want to win because I am fast; I want to be the fastest one there. Greece, here I come!”

View a piece a local TV station did on Andy.

“My love for taking pictures has blossomed into my own small business, with photos sold in local art galleries and art festivals,” Louie says.

Louie’s work has been displayed in four annual art shows in the Pahoa Village. Some works have been sold at several local galleries and at the Pacific Rim International Conference on Disabilities in Honolulu. This summer, he has the chance to feature his work again at the Abled Hawaii Artists Art Festival.

“I like the underwater pictures mostly because they look the nicest,” Louie says. “They still look great with nothing else being there. Water is amazing.”

When he was younger, he Louie struggled just to walk.  Getting to where he is now was no simple matter. Louie spent hours every week training. He committed himself to an extensive workout, running 10 miles a week.

Eventually, Louie earned the nickname “Grease Lightning” for his speed running long distances. However, it is ironically fitting as this summer he’ll be traveling with Team USA to Greece for the 2011 World Games. Louie will compete in the 1,500- and 3,000-meter runs along with running a leg of the 1,600-meter relay.

“It’s going to be beautiful,” Louie says. “Going over there is going to be exciting. It’s going to be an experience.”

Louie’s first time leaving the island was in March when he headed to San Diego for training. As a participant in Special Olympics for about seven years, Louie continues to involve himself in countless activities. Competing in track and also swimming, Louie has developed a passion for both. He has set many records in Special Olympics Hawaii and has a number of medals to show for it. Louie was also awarded a certificate from the Hawaii County Council for being an inspiration and role model for young adults.

While in high school, Louie ran cross country and track, and he has also participated regularly in the Hilo Community 5k Races for the past eight years.

Louie’s coach, Mar Ortaleza, has noticed how his involvement in Special Olympics has given him the confidence to follow other pursuits. Mar has worked with Louie for six years and has bore witness to the incredible talent that Louie has.

“He has a natural talent in sports and photography,” says Mar. “It’s a gift. I just enjoy helping him to realize his potential.”

Ari on top of the Acropolis (where the Parthenon is) with Athens in the background

Team USA bowling coach Aristomenis Capogeannis is looking forward to his two worlds coming full circle at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in the historic city of Athens, Greece.

Capogeannis is half Greek. His father was born in Kalamata, Greece, and lived there until 1951 when the family moved to New York. With extended family living between Kalamata and Athens, Capogeannis has experienced Greece in more ways than one. As a child, most summers were spent back in Greece with his family. When he was older, he took a trip backpacking through Greece, studying mythology and working for a yacht company as a deckhand. Through these experiences, he became fluent in the Greek spoken language. His last visit to Greece was approximately 10 years ago.

When asked what he thinks about the Special Olympics World Summer Games being held in Greece, where the Olympic Games originated, Capogeannis summed it up in one word: “fantastic.” Taking great pride in his heritage, he is excited for the chance to re-visit Greece, but even more excited for Team USA members to have the chance to visit a place he considers home.

Ari, his brother Bill and sister Elaine riding a donkey on a visit to Greece as children. Donkeys were the official mode of transportation on some islands at the time.

Capogeannis says his dad and his circle of Greek friends in this country are proud of the fact that Greece was chosen to host the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games. His relatives in Greece are also excited for the Games to come to their country, some making plans to visit Athens at the end of June.

On his backpacking trip studying Greek mythology, Capogeannis visited was the warm and sunny Isle of Rhodes, which will serve as the Host Town for Team USA for a few days prior to the Games. Rhodes is among the most popular of the Greek islands, and he was pleased to learn that Team USA would be staying there, describing it as beautiful and a treat to visit.

An important piece of advice he gives to those from Team USA when visiting Athens is to be patient due to the fast pace of the city and the high volume of people who live in it. The estimated population for Athens alone is close to 3 million people. He looks forward to Team USA members learning about the Greek people and becoming familiar with what is important in a Greek community. “Family is the No. 1 foundation in a Greek community,” he says. “Everything is very family-based, and you put your all and a lot of pride in everything you’re doing.”

Accustomed to volunteering as a high school student, Capogeannis found himself searching for a unique volunteering opportunity to occupy his free time after finishing a master’s program. With coaching experience and an interest in sports, he discovered Special Olympics Northern California and began as a volunteer with the softball program. He said he was soon hooked. Ten years later, he now runs the basketball and bowling programs for South Santa Clara County Special Olympics, in addition to coaching bocce, plus coaching and officiating floor hockey.

Ari (center) with Team USA bowlers Barry Hemphill, Patrick Underly, KJ Frisina and Jeff Jensen

Capogeannis feels his Greek background has contributed to his coaching style, teaching him to value family and take pride in the activities he is involved in, lessons he goes on to teach his athletes as well. He considers the athletes as extended family, saying that these long-lasting friendships are what he enjoys most about volunteering with Special Olympics.

“(Special Olympics) allows me the chance to be able to contribute to something so important,” said Capogeannis. “It gives me the opportunity to unplug from my routine and offer my skills and talents in a new way of helping others.”

“I have planned on adopting my whole life,” says Lynn Brousseau, Shailah’s mother. “I have a special needs sister, Colleen. She is the one who inspired me to adopt.” After adopting her first two children, Cameron and Alex, Lynn had only planned on adopting one more, her son Stephen. However, when Lynn received a call saying that there was a little girl, she couldn’t say no.

“The only thing we have ever asked for is a girl, and that’s how we got Shailah.” Lynn says. Four years later, she received another call and received her fifth and final adopted child, Hope. 

Lynn’s three biological children had been involved in sports as kids, and she wanted her adopted children to enjoy the same benefits that sports offer. Special Olympics was a natural fit. All of Lynn’s children are involved with Special Olympics Southern California, participating in basketball, bowling, and gymnastics. 

“It’s important for them to be involved, and the more they are like everyone, the better,” Lynn says. “They are more like everyone else than people think. Special Olympics does that for them. It gives them a sense of accomplishment.”

A sense of accomplishment is just what Shailah strives for – and she should be feeling that when she heads to Greece this summer. Shailah will be representing Team USA in rhythmic gymnastics at the 2011 World Summer Games. 

Shailah began her journey as an artistic gymnast. After a surgery on her knee, artistic gymnastics put too much pressure on her knee, so she made the switch to rhythmic. Shailah had to work hard to get back in shape and to learn the new routines. 

“What I have noticed about her is that she really has a lot of natural dance ability,” says Team USA Coach Mary Fehrenbach. “She is very coachable.” 

Mary has been working with Special Olympics for around 20 years now. “It has really opened my eyes and helped me to not set limits,” Mary says. “I try to allow them to do whatever it is what they want to in sports and in life.” 

Shailah qualified for World Games during Southern California’s 2010 Summer Games, where she received gold medals in ball, hoop, ribbon, club, and best all around events. With five state-level gold medals under her belt, Shailah has her eyes set on gold this summer in Greece.

“It’s unfathomable that it’s going to be reality,” Lynn says. “We talk about Greece like it’s another entity.” Lynn, all seven of Shailah’s siblings, and several other family members are traveling to Greece to support Shailah in the 2011 World Games. “It wouldn’t mean as much to Shailah unless we all went, so I’m taking everybody.”

Chris Ringot, right, with friends at a Young Athletes Program event in St. Joseph, Mo.

The Special Olympics Young Athletes Program (YAP) was designed to help athletes learn skills that will prepare them for competition once they reach age 8, but for Special Olympics Missouri athlete Chris Ringot, it’s shaping him into a leader. He has been lending a helping hand to the St. Joseph, Mo., program since its inception in 2008.

“It’s just fantastic,” Chris, 24, says about the program.

Chris’s mother, Mary Ringot, jumped at the opportunity to volunteer at this new program because she wanted other families in her community to experience the benefits of Special Olympics as early as possible. “When my son was little, we were always looking for ways to keep him active and involved,” she says. “We did the usual sports, t-ball and soccer and so forth, and he had fun, but it wasn’t the best fit for him. So a few years ago when I heard about the Young Athletes Program, it just hit me: That’s what we need to do. That’s what we have to do.” Mary now coordinates the entire St. Joseph Young Athletes Program.

The St. Joseph YAP now runs for five to eight weeks each spring and fall, and Chris never misses a session. He usually serves as a buddy, but occasionally he will run an entire station, teaching the skills necessary for each exercise to the Young Athletes. Once, while doing a swimming exercise, a Young Athlete named Jackson was afraid to let go of the wall. After Chris worked with him, Jackson gained the courage to push off and swim.

“Obviously having Chris there is great for the younger athletes,” says Special Olympics Missouri employee Katie Hrenchir. “They get to see an older athlete as a role model. But it’s even better for the parents. Here they are new parents, admitting their child has an intellectual disability. They see how mature and confident Chris is, and what their own children can become.”

Chris has become somewhat of a local celebrity through the program. “We will see Young Athletes outside of the program setting, and when they see Chris they get big smiles,” Mary says.

Chris Ringot will compete in aquatics at the 2011 World Games

His celebrity status is about to get a big boost. Next summer, Chris will travel to Athens, Greece, for the 2011 World Games. Chris will represent Team USA on the aquatics team. 

Chris has been competing with Special Olympics for 12 years but has been swimming for most his life. “He has been swimming since he could sit up,” says Mary. She says Special Olympics has done so much for not only her son, but also their family and community. “It’s overwhelming,” Mary says. “The amount of support is just overwhelming.”

Chris is now participating in a very strict training schedule for the World Games, swimming 1500 meters or more four times a week. He also walks at least a mile each day and is gearing up for basketball season.

“He trains very hard and has an amazing attitude,” Katie says. “Chris has the heart of a champion while participating for Special Olympics Missouri and in his daily life.”

Chris is one of seven athletes from Missouri competing in the 2011 World Summer Games in Greece. Watch a video of him helping at the St. Joseph YAP.

Mike Cavanaugh shows off his medal earned at the 2010 Illinois Summer Games.

Cavanaugh, 56, will make his return to the world stage at the 2011 World Games in Greece competing in bocce.

At the 1987 World Summer Games in Indiana, Mike competed in softball and his team took second place.  “It was my first time attending the World Games and I really enjoyed it,” he said.  MaryJo Johnson, his coach at the 1987 Games said “he was one of the best slow pitchers in the state of Illinois.”

Mike is looking forward to visiting a new country and meeting athletes from around the world.  “I might have such a good time that I don’t want to come back,” he joked.  The 2011 World Games will be very different from the ‘87 Games and Mike is interested in seeing how the experience has changed after more than two decades.

As an older athlete, Mike often tells younger athletes to “enjoy themselves and not to take it too seriously because you are out there for fun. If you win, you win and if you don’t, you don’t.”  But do not let him fool you – Mike is highly competitive. Mike enjoys winning and it is important for him to do his best. Gold medals are “great” because that means he has the chance to advance to the next level of competition.  Johnson says Mike has a natural sports ability. He is “very coachable and team oriented.”

Mike’s mom encouraged him to become involved with Special Olympics more than 25 years ago. “It gives me something to do every week and keeps me in shape,” Mike said.  Over the years, he has become wiser and gained a lot of experience through Special Olympics. 

Mike Cavanaugh competes in bocce at the Illinois Summer Games

It is important to him to stay involved with Special Olympics as long as he can and to volunteer as much as possible.  In fact, when he didn’t advance to Summer Games a few years ago, he spent the weekend volunteering at the bocce venue.

Mike also competes in basketball, bowling, softball and volleyball. He previously competed in powerlifting but didn’t find it a good fit for him. He loves bocce because of the socialization and head-to-head competition. 

For more than 25 years, Mike has worked at Four Seasons Athletic Club in Bloomington maintaining the men’s locker room.  His favorite part of his job is being able to interact with others. Because of his longtime presence on the job and his outgoing personality, Mike is well-known around his hometown of Bloomington.

Mike is one of eight athletes from Illinois competing in the 2011 World Summer Games in Greece.

The U.S. delegation’s members came from 8 different states – Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, Montana, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wyoming. While the Test Event offered competition in 11 different sports, the U.S. athletes participated in just four sports – Athletics, Bocce, Rhythmic Gymnastics and Powerlifting.

The Team USA delegation arrived in Greece on Saturday, May 29, and stayed at the Golden Cost Holiday Club in Marathon, Attika. They attended Opening Ceremonies at the Olympic Aquatic Center on Sunday, May 30. The team then had the opportunity to demonstrate their skills during competition for the next three days, before Closing Ceremonies on Wednesday, June 2.

Athletes Representing Team USA at the Test Event:

Athletics:
Jonathan Blackman –Special Olympics Texas
Dean Crowley –Special Olympics Delaware
Steven Dimitriadis –Special Olympics Texas
Tahia Grosch – Special Olympics Wyoming
Ashlynn Jones – Special Olympics Texas
Glenn Jones – Special Olympics Delaware
Becky Longo – Special Olympics Delaware
Dary McIntyre –Special Olympics Missouri
Norma Saucedo –Special Olympics Texas
Jordan Yager –Special Olympics Wyoming

Bocce:
Holly Gitzen – Special Olympics Pennsylvania
Nina Kaneriya – Special Olympics Pennsylvania
Christa Mereen – Special Olympics Pennsylvania
Dena Muskopf – Special Olympics Missouri
Carl Paxton – Special Olympics Missouri
Robert Quinn – Special Olympics Delaware
Frank Traupman – Special Olympics Pennsylvania

Gymnastics:
Ashley Bressler – Special Olympics Georgia
Karen Davis – Special Olympics Georgia
Lani DeMello – Special Olympics Georgia
Dana Misitano – Special Olympics Georgia
Elena Weaver – Special Olympics Georgia

Powerlifting:
Charles Piantieri – Special Olympics Florida

Coaches Representing Team USA at the Test Event:

Head of Delegation Shane Kiesner – Special Olympics Wyoming
Assistant Head of Delegation Pete Olsen – Special Olympics Montana

Athletics:
Brenda Allen –Special Olympics Texas
Mary Moore –Special Olympics Delaware
Carol Strohecker –Special Olympics Wyoming

Bocce:
Linda Gitzen – Special Olympics Pennsylvania
Martha Mereen – Special Olympics Pennsylvania
Thomas Mereen – Special Olympics Pennsylvania
Susan Shaffer – Special Olympics Missouri

Gymnastics:
Ana DeMello – Special Olympics Georgia