It was my honor to attend the 2013 World Winter Games in the Republic of Korea from January 27-February 6, 2013. I have been very fortunate in my career with Special Olympics to have attended every World Games since the 1981 International Winter Special Olympics Games in Stowe, Vermont and Smugglers’ Notch. During that span I have continued to marvel at the ever-increasing skills of the athletes. This year was no exception. I was able to witness the skills of Jason, Alex and Daina firsthand as they all excelled in their events and brought home medals and ribbons. For them to be a part of TEAM USA was a great privilege and they certainly gave all of us from Wisconsin a reason to be proud.
 

Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) welcomed three athletes and two coaches home from the Special Olympics 2013 World Winter Games in the Republic of Korea. The 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games took place January 29-February 5, 2013. Special Olympics Team USA was comprised of 152 athletes and 61 volunteer coaches/staff members from throughout the United States.

"I strived so hard and gave it my all. It was like a dream come true…I never thought I’d get a medal," said snowshoe racer, Alexander Guild from DePere. Guild brought home a silver medal for the 5k, a bronze medal in the 1600 meter and a forth place ribbon for his efforts in the 4x400 meter race.

Back to Wisconny

By Steve Meurett, Team USA Coach

I’m back on my home turf in Wisconsin. It's great to be away and see new, wonderful things, but like they always say, there is nothing quite like home. Korea had amazing cities, people and scenic land covered with snowy mountains. I am just so thankful for the opportunity to experience it and make a difference as a part of Special Olympics Team USA.I just want to thank all of you who maybe took a minute out of your day to read my posts.

By Bonnie Kahn, Team USA Coach

It’s Thursday and we are on our way back to LA. Yesterday, we finished packing and loaded the bus at 11 a.m. It was an hour before we pulled out and headed to Seoul. It's about a three hour ride, but things went smoothly.

By Steve Meurett, Team USA Coach

Today we made the big return trip to the USA. Team USA boarded three flights back from Korea. Our cross-country ski team was split between those flights, making caring for the athletes and their medical needs a challenge. Despite this, my coaches handled it well.

By Steve Meurett, Team USA Coach

Right now, we're 35,000' above the Pacific Ocean (at the International Dateline, with 3,290 miles to LA).Probably a good way to sum up a World Games is to address the athletes. Team USA cross-country was comprised of 27 athletes from almost 20 states. I could, in no good measure, introduce all of them here, but there are some that I'll always remember and I want to share their stories.

By Steve Meurett, Team USA Coach

I had a little surprise a couple days ago when my sports manager said there would be an abbreviated Parade of Athletes at Closing Ceremonies. Instead of the entire teach marching in (like they did opening night), there would be limited representatives from each team.

The Relays

By Steve Meurett, Team USA Coach

Yesterday was the final day of competition at the Alpensia Cross-Country Ski Center and we ran the 4x1 km relays. We had two more coaches down sick, although they did not have it as bad as some of us, who struggled all day to recover. But, as has happened all week, the rest of the team and even some "assistant athlete coaches" stepped up to cover what was needed.

By Bonnie Kahn, Team USA Coach

I forgot to mention a highlight of my day yesterday. I was standing by the awards area when I felt a tap on my shoulder and there was Denny Alldridge, the President & CEO of Special Olympics Wisconsin. Denny wrapped me up in a big bear hug that went on forever. There was so much said without saying a word. I felt it was his way of thanking me for representing Wisconsin so well, telling me that he was proud and that I was doing a good job here as a coach. Either that or he was just cold and needed to warm up! You decide. I just know it felt good.

By Bonnie Kahn, Team USA Coach

Its packing day today and we actually got to sleep in until almost 7 a.m. That was a treat! After breakfast we start loading up the buses for our trip back to Seoul. Rumor has it we are staying at the Conrad! The coaches might actually have their own room and the athletes will be two to a room instead of the ten of us together the way it has been here.