The first wave of 2018 USA Games #SOTeamPA members selected via Special Olympics Pennsylvania’s first Facebook Live event. #PASummerGames committee members selected Team PA members on Wednesday, June 7, 2017, a few days after the conclusion of the 48th Annual Summer Games. The 2018 USA Games will be held in Seattle, Washington between July 1st and July 6th.
Special Olympics PA selected athletes to fill spots in aquatics, athletics, bowling, golf, gymnastics (artistic), tennis, and a basketball team. To be eligible for Team PA, an athlete needed to receive a gold medal in one of the events in each category. For each gold medal an athlete received, their name got put into their sport’s category pot and hoped their name would be selected.
Although no athletes from our delegation made the official team, four athletes were selected as alternates. Shelia Stevens was selected as the alternate for Athletics, Level 1. Jackie Lutts was selected as the alternate for Swimming, Level 2. Katie Moore and Jesse Rose were selected as alternates for Swimming, Level 3.
In addition to athletes making the team, Special Olympics PA announced coaches who will mentor and accompany our athletes to the games. From Philadelphia, Katharine Wenocur will be the Gymnastics (Artistic) Coach for Team PA. Congratulations, Katharine!