Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) selected Michele Drendel of La Crosse 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.
Drendel has competed in Special Olympics aquatics, bocce, bowling, gymnastics and alpine skiing for the past 20 years, but this will be her first time attending a Special Olympics USA Games. Drendel said she is excited to participate, compete with people from different cities, and join a team with athletes, coaches, and volunteers from all over the state.
SOWI has recognized Drendel with the Female Athlete of the Year and Chad Erickson awards. When she’s not competing or training, Drendel works in food preparation at the West Salem Day Care.
Drendel will compete in gymnastics 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/USAGames.
