Dear family and friends,

This July, I am traveling to Ames, Iowa as part of Special Olympics Team Colorado !  There are 42 Special Olympics Colorado (SOCO) athletes comp eting in the inaugural Special Olympics USA National Games!  We will join over 3,500 athletes, 2,000 coaches and delegates, 12,000 family members and friends, 8,000 volunteers, and 30,000 spectators from July 2 – 7, 2006 to showcase our talents while helping to increase public awareness and understanding. We will be comp eting in a first-class sporting event that celebrates the achievements of Special Olympic athletes in an Olympic Environment. 

I have decided to help raise funds for my trip.  In doing so, I will be helping SOCO cover the overall cost of National Games; therefore, keeping additional funding in state to go towards the 80+ comp etitions that serve over 8,000 athletes throughout this coming year.  Through this “Adopt-An-Athlete” fund raising drive, my goal is to raise $1,000 - the cost to send each Team Colorado athlete to Ames !  Please remember, every dollar counts and no donation is too small.  Your support both financial and / or emotionally is very much appreciated.  Thank you for your consideration and helping inspire greatness in me and my fellow athletes!  

I have been involved with Special Olympics for seven years.  I comp ete in athletics, basketball, bocce, bowling, gymnastics, softball, tennis, volleyball and floor hockey in addition to aquatics.  Through Special Olympics, I have met a lot of friends which has helped me improve my shyness.  My dad, mom and sister Katie are always there to support me.  We are a very close family thanks to SOCO.  I am very excited to be attending National Games to comp ete in aquatics.  My grandparents and family from Minnesota will be there to cheer me on!