Local athletes headed to Special Olympics USA Games
Special Olympics Idaho Athlete Jason Kerr of Coeur d'Alene (right) and partner Matthew Creighton, of Post Falls, are traveling this week to Orlando, Fla., to compete in the Special Olympics USA Games.
Courtesy photo
Two local athletes are traveling this week to Orlando, Fla., to compete in the Special Olympics USA Games.
Jake Kerr (athlete) of Coeur d'Alene and Matthew Creighton (Unified Partner) of Post Falls began training together in June 2021 after Jake qualified at Special Olympics Idaho’s state games. The pair has trained at various golf courses around the area and will compete as a Unified pair in Alternate Stroke Golf at the USA Games.
Golf will take place at Orange County National Golf Center. Over 200 athletes will complete in skills competition, individual standard, and Unified alternate stroke golf competitions. If the pair qualifies at USA Games, they will be invited to attend Special Olympics World Games being held in Berlin, Germany, in 2023.
The public is invited to a sendoff for the athletes Wednesday at 5 p.m. at The Coeur d’Alene Resort main lobby. To donate or sponsor Special Olympics and athletes like Jake, visit specialolympicsidaho-bloom.kindful.com/usagames2022.
The USA Games will be televised on ESPN beginning Sunday. There is also a USA Games app to download and follow athletes’ progress as well as send them notes of encouragement.