Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) selected Alberto Larabee of Eau Claire as one of 62 athletes to represent Team Wisconsin at the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games in Princeton, New Jersey on June 14-21, 2014. Wisconsin athletes will compete in athletics, aquatics, bocce, bowling, flag football, gymnastics, powerlifting and volleyball.
Larabee was born in the Philippines to a family that was starving. When Larabee became malnourished and hospitalized, his biological family made the choice to place him in an orphanage. He met his adopted parents when he was three-years-old and they brought him to his new home in Wisconsin.
“My birth father had asthma which is why he struggled to support the family through farming. I have asthma too and have to make sure I take my medications, especially while competing in Special Olympics. Exercise helps my asthma,” he explained.
Larabee has competed in Special Olympics basketball and bowling for the past 11 years, but this will be his first time competing at the national level.
“It is a great opportunity and privilege. I am honored to represent all the great athletes from Wisconsin. It will give me time away from my parents to become more independent and develop leadership skills,” he said.
Larabee recently graduated from Memorial High School and received a Coaches Award for wrestling. He is returning to high school to continue improving his skills so he can one day attend a technical college. Larabee earned the title of Most Valuable Player on his basketball team in 2009-2010 and Most Consistent Bowler in 2012. Larabee will compete in bowling and will be one of 86 delegates representing Team Wisconsin at the 2014 USA Games in New Jersey.
SOWI will host an official training camp for Team Wisconsin athletes on May 17-18, 2014 at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. The 2014 USA Games will showcase the abilities of athletes with intellectual disabilities, promote the ideals of acceptance and inclusion through sport, and celebrate the transformative power of Special Olympics. A total of 3,500 athletes, 1,000 coaches and delegates, 10,000 volunteers and 70,000 spectators will attend.
Sports competition will be held at venues throughout Mercer County, New Jersey, including Princeton University, Rider University, The College of New Jersey, Mercer County Park and several area private schools. There will be ample opportunities for supporters across the state to show their spirit and join the team through volunteerism, donations and attendance. For more information or to learn more about how you can support a local athlete, visit www.SpecialOlympicsWisconsin.org.
