Oak Park's Georgia Hunter and Nicholas Connor Head to New Jersey for 2014 Special Olympics USA Games

Georgia Hunter and Nicholas Connor of Oak Park will compete in the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games this summer in Princeton, New Jersey as part of Team Illinois. 
Georgia has been a Special Olympics Illinois athlete for thirteen years and competed in the 2006 Special Olympics National Games in Ames, Iowa for aquatics. 
She has been a Global Messenger through the Athlete Leadership Program for 10 years. Through the program, Georgia takes an active leadership role beyond the playing field and competition, spreading the mission of Special Olympics Movement through public speaking. Georgia is very honored and excited to be representing Team Illinois.
"I love Special Olympics. I love the friendships and relationships I have made," Georgia says. "I like to compete against other competitors like my sister [does]. I want to swim hard and bring home the gold." 
She is honored to again represent Illinois on the national level. "As a Global Messenger, I can be a voice for people who don't have one. I feel courageous and speak the truth in my heart. I am confident." 
Georgia's mother Karen Hunter says "Special Olympics has given Georgia the opportunity to express herself through athletic success and Global Messenger training and support. It has helped build her confidence."
This is Nicholas's tenth year involved with Special Olympics Illinois. He has participated in basketball, soccer and softball, and he will compete in volleyball at the USA Games.  Nicholas says through Special Olympics "I have met friends for life and I love the diversity."
The public is encouraged to wish Georgia, Nicholas and their fellow Team Illinois athletes good luck and show their support on June 6 with the Special Olympics Illinois Virtual Sendoff. For more information visit the please visit facebook.com/specialolympicsillinois">http://facebook.com/specialolympicsillinois">facebook.com/specialolympicsillinois.
Want to get involved in Special Olympics Illinois? If you or someone you know is interested in becoming an athlete, volunteer or coach please visit www.soill.org">http://www.soill.org">www.soill.org!