Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) selected Jeremy Krutina of Milwaukee 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.
Since Krutina joined SOWI 23 years ago, he has competed in Special Olympics athletics, basketball, bowling, flag football, softball, volleyball, speed skating, snowshoeing and soccer. He competed in soccer at the 2010 USA Games in Lincoln, Nebraska.
“[Special Olympics has made me feel like a champion because] I have overcome the feelings of being a failure. If you put your mind to something, you should try to do it,” he said.
Krutina said one of his greatest moments was when he was selected for the USA Games in 2010 and he now has his sights set on attending a Special Olympics World Games. SOWI has recognized Krutina with a Male Athlete of the Year award several years ago. According to Krutina Special Olympics has changed his life because it’s helped him see his potential.
“It has given me the confidence to try new things. Attending the USA Games means I’ve met another goal in my life and can showcase my talents,” he said.
When he’s not training or competing, Krutina works at Milwaukee Public Schools where he helps others with special needs. Krutina will compete in volleyball 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.orgUSAGames.
