Thank you for visiting my personal fundraising page.

I am very excited and honored to be one of only four Special Olympics North Carolina athletes selected to compete in the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho .  The four of us will join athletes from all over the country in proudly representing Special Olympics Team USA.  We will be among 3,000 athletes from 85 countries who will show the world our dedication to sports this winter, Feb. 7-13.

My sport is Alpine skiing, and I have been training hard to be ready for international-level competition.   I’m looking forward to racing but am also excited about experiencing Idaho ’s snow.  I heard it's different from snow here in North Carolina.  I love french fries so I can't wait to taste their famous Idaho potatoes.  I am also looking forward to meeting lots and lots of new friends from different countries.

I am writing to many people to ask for support in helping my dreams come true because it will cost approximately $2,500 to send me to Idaho .    Your donation to Special Olympics North Carolina, which is raising the funds for me and the entire North Carolina delegation, will help provide travel, uniforms, training sessions, and sports equipment that will allow me to compete in these World Games.

Donating through this web site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution to my 2009 Special Olympics World Games opportunity.

I have been doing Special Olympics sports training and competitions for many years.  It has really helped me in so many ways to prepare to represent North Carolina and the Special Olympics Team.  AND to bring home the gold.   Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this email to anyone who you think might want to donate, too!

I promise to do my best to make my community, my state and my country proud!  Thank you!

Matthew

P.S. Check out a recent interview to learn more about me:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XH30cVaxcsM