Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) selected Brad Swanson of Oshkosh 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. Swanson will compete in flag football at the Games.
Swanson has participated in Special Olympics basketball, bowling, softball, and flag football for the past 18 years, but this will be his first time attending a USA Games.
“I am very proud because my team and I are competing for Wisconsin,” he said.
In 2010, Swanson earned the SOWI Athlete of the Year award. One of his favorite sports memories was winning three consecutive basketball medals with his team. However, Swanson said winning medals isn’t the reason he competes. For him, it’s about learning the true meaning of the sports.
“Win or lose, I always feel like a champion because I try my hardest,” he said. “Special Olympics helps me get the exercise I need.”
In addition to flag football, Wisconsin athletes will compete in athletics, aquatics, bocce, bowling, gymnastics, powerlifting and volleyball. 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.
Learn how you can support Swanson and other Team Wisconsin athletes at www.SpecialOlympicsWisconsin.org/USAGames.
