Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) athlete Alex Guild, 22 of De Pere, was recently selected to compete at the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea to be held January 29 – February 5, 2013. Special Olympics Team USA is comprised of athletes and coaches from all 50 states, including Guild, who will compete in snowshoe racing.

Guild, who is one of three athletes from Wisconsin representing Team USA, said, “This is a tremendous opportunity to represent Wisconsin and the USA in competition, to travel to another part of the world, and to meet, interact, and compete with teammates and foreign competitors.”

As a child, Guild suffered from Sensory Integration Dysfunction, a neurological disorder that decreases the brain’s ability to process and respond to sensory signals. The disorder left Guild unable to “feel” the ground beneath his feet, but with occupational therapy, joint compression and sensory treatments, Guild was able to overcome his symptoms. He now competes regularly as a competitive runner and has won numerous age-category medals.

Guild has been involved in Special Olympics for six years, participating in basketball, bowling, and soccer. During his time with Special Olympics, he has received a total of ten State Games medals, including four gold, four silver and two bronze. He has also excelled outside of Special Olympics, receiving the President’s Challenge Platinum Award for excellence in physical activity and fitness.

“Special Olympics has helped me gain confidence, meet new friends, and experience teamwork, cooperation, competition and sportsmanship,” he said.

Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) athlete Daina Shilts, 21 of Neillsville, was recently selected to compete at the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea to be held January 29 – February 5, 2013. Special Olympics Team USA is comprised of athletes and coaches from all 50 states, including Shilts, who will compete in snowboarding.

Shilts, who is one of three athletes from Wisconsin representing Team USA, said, “This has been my goal since I was eight years-old,” said Shilts. “I am so excited for this opportunity.”

Also making the trip to South Korea are Jason Suino, 23 of Hayward, who will compete in cross- country skiing, and Alex Guild, 22 of De Pere, who will compete in snowshoe racing.

Shilts has been involved in SOWI for 14 years, participating in athletics (track & field), bowling, alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing. During her time with SOWI, she has received multiple medals in snowboarding, alpine skiing and athletics. Shilts said her involvement in Special Olympics has encouraged her to take advantage of new opportunities.

“It has challenged me to try new sports that I would not have done. It has also helped me to decide my future goals in career choices – I want to help other children like I’ve been helped through Special Olympics,” she said.

Highly involved in SOWI outside of competitions, Shilts was also the top fundraiser for her local Polar Plunge® team. When not participating in Special Olympics, Shilts enjoys hunting, working on her family farm, snowboarding and riding on her ATV.

Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) athlete Jason Suino, 23 of Hayward, was recently selected to compete at the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea to be held January 29 – February 5, 2013. Special Olympics Team USA is comprised of athletes and coaches from all 50 states, including Suino, who will compete in cross-country skiing.

Suino who is one of three athletes from Wisconsin representing Team USA, said, “This means a lot to me. I’m proud to race with Team USA and represent Wisconsin and my home town of Hayward.”

Also making the trip to South Korea are Alex Guild, 22 of De Pere, who is competing in snowshoe racing, and Daina Shilts, 21 of Neillsville, who will compete in snowboarding.

Suino has been involved in SOWI for 12 years, participating in athletics (track & field), bowling and cross-country skiing. During his time with the organization, he has competed in more than 30 Special Olympics events. Suino has also excelled outside of Special Olympics, completing the American Birkebeiner Kortelopet Ski Race in 2012. When not participating in Special Olympics, Suino likes to hunt, fish, snowboard, and spend time with his family. Suino said his involvement in SOWI has impacted his self-confidence.

“I’ve always been shy, but Special Olympics has taught me to be more outgoing. I now enjoy training and competition, especially winning,” he said. “I just enjoy being part of our Special Olympics team.”