Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) selected Kenny Kostanski of Menomonee Falls 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.
Kostanski has competed in Special Olympics aquatics, basketball, bowling, flag football, golf, and volleyball for the past 10 years, but this will be his first time attending the Special Olympics USA Games. He said he was encouraged to attend an event at the national level after performing well at the SOWI State Games.
“Special Olympics makes me feel like a champion because I practice and work hard to be stronger and healthier. I used to be overweight,” he said. “Special Olympics helped me lose weight.”
In addition to improving his health, Kostanski said he has experienced many social benefits from participating in Special Olympics.
“It has given me many new friends and sports to look forward to participating in with my teammates,” he said. “I am so excited to meet people from other states.”
When he is not competing or training, Kostanski works at the Community Memorial Hospital in Environmental Services. Kostanski will compete in aquatics 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.
