Five athletes and a coach of Special Olympics Virginia took a flight to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from Dulles International Airport on Wednesday, March 6. These athletes will participate in World games Abu Dhabi 2019. They will be accompanied by 200 athletes which are part of the Special Olympics USA delegation.
If you are losing faith in human nature, go out and watch a marathon. -Kathrine Switzer
According to Springfield Connection, "Dylan Joseph "Joey" Roney, 21, of Herndon, will compete on the world stage in swimming, the 100m freestyle, 4x100m freestyle relay, and 200m freestyle. Roney currently swims with the Oakton Swim Club that practices alongside the Oakton High School swim team. "This is an incredible opportunity for Joey," said his grandfather, Chuck Roney, as team members met up at Dulles International Airport. "None of this would be possible without Special Olympics and the thousands of volunteers," he said. Although athlete Roney said he was excited, he confided, "I'm feeling a little nervous and scared because this is my first time."
Dylan Joseph of Herndon will compete on the world stage in swimming, the 100m freestyle, 4x100m freestyle relay, and 200m freestyle.
The event will be started on 14 March following an opening ceremony and will continue for 6 days. 7,000 plus athletes from 190 delegations will compete in World Games 2019. The closing ceremony will be held on Thursday, March 21.
As per Springfield Connection, "Karen Dickerson, 33, of Springfield, will run the Half marathon, the 10,000m and the 4x100m relay at the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi. Athlete Dickerson has run 27 marathons across the globe. "I cannot say enough about Karen's determination and dedication," said her mother, Ernestine Dickerson. "It is amazing what she has accomplished not only through sports but in life.” Athlete Dickerson provided guidance to her fellow Special Olympics Virginia athletes while waiting to leave Dulles. "You don't have to have a good or a bad competition or race. Just know you did the best you could. All athletes go through ups and downs. Don't put yourself down,” she said".
Maryam N. is a Senior Writer at Nesbitt Realty. She is an expert on Fairfax County. Maryam has also worked previously as a geologist. She is a foodie and enjoys cooking and exploring new restaurants.
