A group of San Marcos soccer stars are gearing up to represent Texas at the upcoming Special Olympics USA games in Minneapolis, Minnesota in June. Held every four years, the games unite 3,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches, 10,000 volunteers and 75,000 fans from all 50 states. This is only the Wolverine’s second year as a Special Olympics delegation. San Marcos residents can cheer on the team June 19-26 through the ESPN broadcast.
Donations are being accepted to support the team to help provide equipment, uniforms and travel costs at givebutter. com/wolverines.
The team is made up of athletes of all ages and skill levels but one thing they all share is a passion for the sport.
”I like playing soccer because I played soccer a long time ago, now I’m grown up and I just like being the sports guy, being outside, being active with all my friends,” said team member Sam McDonald.
Carter Cawley was also excited to represent Texas at the Special Olympics, having played soccer since he was eight years old.
“I wouldn’t be in sports or in Special Olympics, without my Olympic fans, and especially without my family,” Cawley said.
Team members took pride in the selection for the Special Olympics.
”I feel honored to go to Minnesota, I’m so excited. I’ve been to one Special Olympics game back in 2022, I went to Orlando, Florida so that was a big accomplishment,” Matthew Wells said.
Many team members have competed at nationals before but some are playing for the first time.
“It’ll be my first time to go to Nationals. I’m excited for the experience, excited to meet some of the professionals, see how they’re experienced and excited for the team and for my family who supports me and for my coaches who we wouldn’t be able to do it without them,” Matthew Nelson said.
The San Marcos Wolverines offer the following sports: basketball, bowling, bocce, flag football, powerlifting, soccer, swimming, track & field and volleyball. The team is always looking for new athletes as well as volunteers to help coach the teams. Contact Bruce Williams for more information on how to be involved at 512-806-4342 or email him at sanmar-coswolver-ines@ gmail.com.
