2009 World Winter Games in Idaho
2009 World Winter Games athletes named
Next year, Boise, Idaho will host the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games. From February 6-13, 2009, nearly 3,000 athletes from 85 countries will compete in seven Olympic-type sports: alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, figure skating, floor hockey, snowboarding, snowshoeing and speed skating. The 2009 World Winter Games is expected to be the largest World Winter Games in the history of the movement.
The Special Olympics World Games, held every two years and alternating between Summer and Winter Games, are much more than just a sporting event. In addition to showcasing the skills and achievements of Special Olympics athletes, the 2009 World Games will embody the movement's messages of acceptance and inclusion.
The athletes representing Wisconsin have trained long and hard for the chance to show the world what they are made of. Given this amazing opportunity, each athlete is excited for the chance to excel in their sport and represent the state of Wisconsin. These athletes will compete in snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and speed skating.
2009 World Games athletes from Wisconsin
- Mike Tyler, Granton, WI - snowshoe racing
- Edward Smith, Neillsville, WI - snowboarding
- Melanie Olivo, Ashland, WI - snowshoe racing
- Rebecca Henline, Union Grove, WI - cross country skiing
- Adam Benner, Tomahawk, WI - cross country skiing
- Mark Vroman, Madison, WI - speed skating
Mike Tyler
Competing in the Special Olympics World Winter Games at the young age of 20 is quite an accomplishment, and that is exactly what 20-year-old Mike Tyler is doing in the 2009 World Winter Games.
Tyler has participated in Special Olympics for the past seven years, training in bowling and snowshoeing. A farm boy from Granton, Wis., Tyler said Special Olympics changed his life by meeting new people. His positive attitude toward hard work has helped his training, and Tyler is most proud of his medals won from competition.
Tyler will compete in in Idaho in snowshoeing. He is most excited about being a member of Team USA and representing the United States for Special Olympics. In addition to training as a Special Olympics Wisconsin athlete, Tyler is on the honor roll at school, participated in the Polar Plunge team, and shows his pigs at the 4-H Fair.
Edward Smith
Edward "Eddie" Smith is a 22-year-old athlete from Neillsvile, Wis. He will represent Wisconsin in snowboarding at the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games. Smith has been training in the sport for five years and is ready to challenge his skills at a World Games level.
Smith has participated in Special Olympics for nine years and competes in snowboarding, athletics and bowling. Besides being selected to participate in the 2009 World Winter Games, Smith has competed at state tournaments for track and field, cross country skiing, snowboard and bowling. His proudest accomplishment is winning a gold medal in track and field at the State Summer Games.
Special Olympics Wisconsin has given Smith the change to meet new people, make new friends and travel places. Smith has never been on a plane or bus before, so he is excited to travel to the World Winter Games.
Melanie Olivo
Melanie Olivo, 29, from Ashland, Wis. will represent the state by competing in snowshoe racing.
Olivo has been training in snowshoeing for the past four years. She also competes in track and field, bowling, basketball, swimming and gymnastics.
"Special Olympics brought me out of my shell," Olivo said. "It helped me become a leader and make friends."
Olivo says that she is excited to compete in the World Winter Games and meet new people from around the world.
"I think the World Games will be an awesome experience," she said. "I also love a new challenge."
Olivo lives independently and is learning how to drive a car, something that she is extremely proud of. She works at Ashland Animal Shelter and likes to play computer games in her spare time.
Rebecca Henline
Competing in the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games is a long-time coming for Rebecca Henline. She has been training in cross-country skiing for 20 years and has participated in Special Olympics for the past 13 years.
The 37-year-old from Union Grove, Wis. competes in cross-country skiing, swimming and bocce ball. Henline has received awards in soccer, bowling and basketball. Her experience with Special Olympics helped her set goals for life and pushes her to accomplish them.
"One of my proudest accomplishments is when I learned to hold my breath under water while doing a whole lap around the pool," she said.
She also loves to encourage team members and cheer on other athletes. As a first-time competitor in the World Winter Games, Henline loves trying new things and is excited to learn about the world. In addition to participating in Special Olympics, Henline works at Shepherd's restaurant as a kitchen helper and lives with a roommate.
Adam Benner
As the youngest athlete representing Wisconsin at the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games, Adam Benner is getting the experience of a lifetime. The 16-year-old from Tomahawk, Wis. will compete in cross country skiing in Idaho in 2009.
Benner has been training in the sport for five years, but has only participated with Special Olympics for four years. He competes in cross country skiing and track and field, and has received many medals.
"Special Olympics makes me happy because I compete in events, and when I do well, I am very proud of myself," Benner said.
Benner enjoys riding his bike, playing PlayStation, watching TV and swimming. He also works at his family's restaurant bussing tables, washing dishes and cooking bacon. Even though Benner is young, he understands how important the World Games is.
"The World Games means a lot to me," he said. "I am making so many people proud. It also lets me take on a new challenge."
Mark Vroman
Madison, Wis. native Mark Vroman is proud to represent Wisconsin at the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games in speed skating. The 38-year-old has only trained in the sport for four years, but is rapidly improving his skills to compete at the international level.
Vroman has been involved with Special Olympics for at least 15 years and says it has made him more disciplined and helped him be proud of himself. He has competed in many sports and won numerous medals, but the World Winter Games are very important to him.
"Attending the World Games is the most exciting thing that's ever happened to me," Vroman said.
Besides competing with Special Olympics, Vroman has worked for the past 10 years at Benefit Plan as part of the administration filing and mail department. Vroman enjoys making music, loves arts and crafts and has even sold some of his artwork.