When Sarah Fodor strapped on her first snow skis just a few months ago, she could not have imagined those skis would take her somewhere many people just dream about – an international sports competition.

Sarah has been selected to represent Georgia in Alpine skiing at the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho.

The event is expected to attract up to 3,000 athletes from more than 85 nations to compete in seven Olympic-type sports: Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, figure skating, floor hockey, snowboarding, snowshoe racing and speed skating. It will be the largest multi-sport event ever held in the state of Idaho.
Sarah, 21, has never been so far from home by herself. She is a little nervous, but also excited. “I can’t believe they picked me!” she said. “I am the only one going from Georgia in skiing!”

Fayette County has only sent two athletes to the World Games in recent years – Cynthia Scarborough and Suzanne Fields traveled to Ireland to compete in badminton in 2003. This year, Georgia will send only Sarah and a floor hockey team from Valdosta to the World Winter Games.

Sarah qualified for World Games by competing at the Southeast Regional Winter Special Olympics held in Boone, North Carolina, last February.
Alpine skiing is one of the most expensive sports in which Fayette County athletes compete. To raise money to travel to competitions, they sell Chick-Fil-A calendars and participate in other fundraisers throughout the year.

Since there aren’t any snowy peaks in Fayette County, local Special Olympics Coordinator Debbie Parrish says that they plan to have Sarah practice on sand in Kenwood Park to prepare for her big event.

The fee for Sarah to attend the Games is $375. Fayette County Special Olympics is looking for a sponsor to help offset the cost.

Sarah’s mother Beverly plans to attend, but isn’t sure how much it will cost her. “I figure that’s what credit cards are for, and this is a once in a lifetime event for her.” She says Sarah keeps asking if she will be there. “I told her yes, but that she probably won’t get to see me, but know in her heart that mommy is watching. And to just do her best and just go and have fun.”

The first Special Olympics World Games took place in 1968 and alternates every two years between Winter and Summer Games. Five athletes from Georgia took part in the 2007 Summer Games in Shanghai, China.

Fayette County Special Olympics serves more than 200 athletes with intellectual disabilities. To volunteer or donate, please contact Debbie Parrish at 770-716-4320

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