Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) selected Zechariah Tietz 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.
Tietz, who has been involved with SOWI for eight years, participates in athletics, basketball, bowling, softball and snowshoeing. Before joining Special Olympics, Tietz, a sophomore at Rufus King High School, called himself a quiet, “loner” because he felt different from others due to his Asperger Syndrome and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Through SOWI Tietz has not only seen improvements in his confidence and social skills, he’s also gained life-long friends.
“When you’re competing, it’s so exciting to hear the crowds and your fellow teammates cheering you on,” said Tietz. “All you have to do it the best you can. No one judges you, no one says ‘do better.’ You can be yourself and that’s a great feeling.”
This will be Tietz’s first trip to the USA Games. He will compete in athletics and will be one of 90 delegates representing Team Wisconsin at the 2014 USA Games in New Jersey. Support Tietz and his trip to the 2014 USA Games at www.SpecialOlympicsWisconsin.org/USAGames.
