Source: Examiner.com

By: Lorretta Arnold

As the 2012 Summer Olympics in London prepares for world-class top athletes to compete, Korea prepares for the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games with three North Carolinian athletes on the list of those representing the United States.

Wake County and Mecklenburg County residents are in tune with the world as Zach Butler from Wake County (snowboarding), Katie Carter (figure skating) and Rory Kinane (speed skating) of Mecklenburg joins the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games.

North Carolina Special Olympics came to pass with a gold win for Zach Butler. But snowboard competitions are not the only interests of the Raleigh native. Butler went to Athens Drive High School and for the past decade he has been a member of the Special Theater Arts of Raleigh drama club. His softball team won a silver in the 2009 Special Olympics National Invitation and he speed skates. The all-American sports athlete is an inspiration.

Butler understands the Special Olympics. With almost two decades of Special Olympics experience under his belt, his edge on technique should attract upcoming fans. Those in South Korea, or the world for that matter, may not have heard of Zach Butler, but that could change after the snowboarding event.

Wake County locals are proud of all athletes but takes pride in knowing that a beat in the heart of Carolina will be present to represent the nation. Go Team USA-NC!

PyeongChang, South Korea hosts the 10th Special Olympics Winter Games which also includes alpine skiing and cross-country skiing, floor hockey, along with other winter sports. Over 15,000 family, friends, volunteers, spectators, 3,300 athletes from 112 countries will help in delivering one of PyeongChang’s largest winter related sports events ever to be held in Korea.

2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games will be held from Jan. 29 to Feb. 5 (6). The 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games will be held in Los Angeles, California.

In 2011 Athens, Greece held the Special Olympics Summer Games (photo/Getty Images, Vladimir Rys).

PyeongChang took the bid to host the XXIII Winter Olympics in 2018. The 2018 Winter Olympics will be held between Feb. 9 – 25.

For more visit Special Olympics North Carolina.