After months of training and preparation, Special Olympics Southern California athletes are finally on their way to the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho, including two competitors from Long Beach.  Nine athletes and one coach from throughout Southern California will join 330 athletes from nearly every state and the District of Columbia, as well as 120 coaches and managers in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Feb. 5 before the entire team departs for Idaho the next day.

“Our athletes have trained long and hard to prepare for the World Winter Games,” said Bill Shumard, President & CEO, Special Olympics Southern California.  “It’s exciting for them to be part of an international competition, and we’re proud to have them represent their fellow athletes in Southern California.”

The U.S. delegation will be the largest at the World Games. Overall, nearly 2,500 athletes from 104 countries will compete in these World Games. In addition, the event will draw 6,000 volunteers, 800 event officials and thousands of families, spectators and journalists from every continent.  Athletes representing Special Olympics Southern California are:

·         Manasa Iyer, 13, Cerritos, Snowshoeing

·         Brittany Kulic, 18, Redlands, Alpine Skiing

·         James McGoff, 24, Long Beach, Cross-Country Skiing

·         Samuel Mesa, 48, Norwalk, Snowboarding

·         David Saunders, 18, Long Beach, Snowboarding

·         Lesley Stone, Vista, 48, Cross-Country Skiing

·         Patricia Trujillo, 20, Fallbrook, Snowboarding

·         Marisa Watkins, 14, Santa Clarita, Snowboarding

·         Max Young, 18, Redlands, Alpine Skiing

“Through hard work, dedication and commitment, Special Olympics Team USA athletes have become some of the most inspiring competitors in the world,” said Special Olympics North America Managing Director Bob Gobrecht.  “Competing in the World Games is a chance of a lifetime for many of our athletes, but also a chance for the rest of the world to witness the accomplishments and victories of people with intellectual disabilities.”

The Winter World Games begin with a star-studded and entertaining Opening Ceremony on February 7. The athletes will then spend the rest of the week competing in Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Figure Skating, Floor Hockey, Snowboarding, Snowshoe Racing, and Speed Skating. The Closing Ceremony will be on February 13. Family and friends will be able to watch highlights of the World Games and follow their favorite athletes at www.specialolympics.org.