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Salidan represents Colorado at Special Olympic Games
By Arlene Shovald Special to The Mail
John Swartz of Salida was recently named to represent Colorado in the National Special Olympic Games in Lincoln, Neb., July 18-23.
He will represent more than 10,000 Colorado athletes who compete annually in 20 sports and more than 80 competitions. To qualify for the honor he won a gold medal in bocce ball during the 2009 state competition.
As part of team Colorado, a group of 28 athletes and seven coaches, Swartz will join more than 3,000 Special Olympics athletes from throughout the United States.
They will compete in aquatics, athletics, bocce, bowling, gymnastics, powerlifting and tennis.
To represent Colorado in the 2010 USA National Games, each athlete must raise $1,600 toward the total of $56,000. To do this, he is selling raffle tickets for a five-day, four-night cruise for two to Mexico, the Bahamas or the Caribbean.
Tickets cost $10. The raffle will be at 9 a.m. July 17 at the Colorado Special Olympics Office in Englewood.
"I have been to state special Olympics several years, but this is my first time to nationals," Swartz said. "It's an honor to have been chosen and I appreciate the support everyone has given and will give me.
"Special Olympics has provided me with life changing opportunities to compete in athletics, build confidence and self-esteem."
Raffle tickets may be purchased from Swartz or from Deb Kort at Starpoint, 203 E St. Donations for Special Olympics may be mailed to Starpoint at P.O. Box 687, Salida, CO 81201.
Checks should be written to Colorado Special Olympics.
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