The 2019 World Games will bring 7,500 athletes from 190
countries beginning on Thursday, March 14th. 2019 marks the 50th
anniversary for the Special Olympics, celebrating fifty years of encouraging
children and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities through
athletics. Team USA Gymnastics travels to Abu Dhabi with Coach Mary Fehrenbach
for the 2019 Special Olympic World Games. We had the opportunity to get the
inside scoop from Mary.
This will be Mary’s sixth trip to the Special Olympics as a Team
USA coach. This year, she will be traveling with six gymnasts – three rhythmic
gymnasts and three artistic gymnasts. Artistic gymnastics focuses mainly on strength,
balance, and agility, while rhythmic
gymnastics are performed on the floor using various props. Alpha Factor® leotards will be proudly
worn by the 2019 Team USA artistic gymnasts. Mary said, “The girls were so
excited when they saw their Alpha Factor leos for the first time.”
Mary has been involved with the Special Olympics for almost
30 years. After she discovered there wasn’t a Special Olympics program in the
state of Virginia, she decided to start her own. With the help of her gym, they
started the first gymnastic program in the state. The program has its own set
of rules and compulsory routines, following a similar structure to standard
gymnastics. Since then, Mary has continued to work with Special Olympic
athletes and she is excited to travel to Abu Dhabi alongside Team USA.
“It’s a once in a lifetime experience for these athletes. They really want to show the world that people with disabilities can do anything, all they need is a chance.”
Mary has been keeping an eye on her athletes during the
transition to Abu Dhabi, making sure everyone is staying hydrated and
appropriately adjusting to the time change. She said, “I’ve received a ton of
hugs since everyone arrived, of course excitement is building.” Their first three
days are spent acclimating to the culture through the Olympic host town program.
The United States delegation of Dubai welcomes the Special Olympic athletes. During
this time - they have cultural experiences, explore the local sites and continue
to adjust to the time change before they move to Abu Dhabi to begin training
and rehearsing for competition.
“If you ask the athletes - what’s their favorite part about participating in the Special Olympics, some will say they love competing and going for the gold, but one thing you’ll hear every athlete say is that they love the opportunity to meet new friends from other places.”
Alpha Factor® is honored to be represented and worn by three
artistic gymnasts of Team USA - Tonya Cornett, Devon Anderson and Saneatha Lee
Trice.
Tonya Cornett, age 48 from Kentucky, is a level 2 artistic
gymnast. Tonya has been working extremely hard in the gym, practicing 14 hours
a week. She is excited to be competing and is looking forward to seeing the
sights and trying new foods, but most importantly, achieving her dream of going
to the World Games.
“I am enjoying the whole experience through the eyes of an athlete and I’m excited to be able to keep doing gymnastics at an older age.”
Additionally, Tonya has been invited to sing the National Anthem
at the Family Reception for US delegation in Abu Dhabi. Coach Mary added, “She
has a truly beautiful singing voice. Tonya has been practicing a few other
inspirational songs in case an opportunity comes up to showcase her talent as a
vocalist in addition to a gymnast.”
Devon Anderson, age 28 from Texas, is a level 2 artistic
gymnast. This will be Devon’s first time competing in the Special Olympics. She
said, “I want to make new friends and I want make my family, friends and
coaches proud of me.”
Seneatha Lee Trice, age 19 from Illinois, is a level 4
optional artistic gymnast. Seneatha has been working hard to master her touch
front move. She said she is most excited for, “competing to do my best for USA, my team, my family
and my community. I just love to be a part of this team!” She also
mentioned she hopes to ride a camel while in Abu Dhabi.
Mary is delighted to have the opportunity to coach these
talented athletes.
“Not only are we helping these athletes in gymnastics, we're helping build their social skills and improving their levels of independence.”
We wish the best of luck to all athletes
participating at the 2019 Special Olympic World Games. Stay tuned to see Team
USA artistic gymnasts competing and wearing Alpha Factor® leotards!
