Local Athletes Set to Compete at Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles, July 25 - August 2

Special Olympics Connecticut is proud to announce that Selina Derungs of Simsbury, Chuck Yenkner of Glastonbury, Christine Post of Groton, and Lisa Thomasco of Mystic will represent Connecticut and the USA at the 2015 Special Olympics World Games. With 7,000 athletes and 3,000 coaches representing 177 countries, along with 30,000 volunteers and an anticipated 500,000 spectators, the 2015 Special Olympics World Games - being staged in Los Angeles July 25 - August 2, 2015 - will be the largest sports and humanitarian event anywhere in the world in 2015, and the single biggest event in Los Angeles since the 1984 Olympic Games. The 2015 Special Olympics World Games, with the unparalleled spirit, enthusiasm, teamwork, joy and displays of courage and skill that are hallmarks of all Special Olympics events, will feature 25 Olympic-style sports in venues throughout the Los Angeles region.

Selina Derungs will compete in aquatics at the World Games. She has been participating in Special Olympics for 21 years and counts her family as her biggest supporters. They have attended all events she has competed in and will be in attendance at the World Games. She is training hard to be the best athlete at the World Games and looks forward to meeting athletes from around the globe. Derungs is employed by Old Navy and Goodwill where she works as a sales assistant and cashier.

Chuck Yenkner will compete in track and field at the World Games. He has participated in Special Olympics for 24 years and has won numerous awards, including Special Olympics Connecticut Athlete of the Year in 1996. He attributes much of his success to his family and coaches, who have always cheered him on. Chuck is looking forward to competing against the best and most talented athletes in the world. He is employed at Bob’s Discount Furniture Store in Southington where he is a cleaning crew member.

Christine Post and Lisa Thomasco will compete as a Unified Sports® golf team at the Special Olympics World Games. Post plays multiple sports with Special Olympics, winning first place in the State golf tournament in 2013 and 2nd place in 2014 in the State tennis tournament. Her involvement with Special Olympics has allowed her to become more confident in herself and to conquer her fears. Post is looking forward to reaching new milestones in Los Angeles.

Lisa Thomasco, a Unified Sports® Partner, has participated in Special Olympics for two years. She was inspired to get involved by her son, who has been a volunteer for three years. Her involvement has given her a new perspective on caring and happiness, and she has been inspired by numerous athletes. Thomasco is honored to be involved in this once in a lifetime experience and is eager to participate with Christine. She works for Pfizer Inc. in Groton as an Import/Export Specialist.

Special Olympics World Games Opening Ceremonies will be broadcast live on ESPN on Saturday, July 25th at 9 p.m. EST.For more information about the 2015 Special Olympics World Games, visit www.LA2015.org. For more information about Special Olympics Connecticut, visit www.soct.org and follow Special Olympics Connecticut on Facebook and Twitter.

About Special Olympics Connecticut

Special Olympics Connecticut provides year-round sports training and competitions for over 13,000 athletes of all ages with intellectual disabilities and Unified Sports® partners - their teammates without disabilities.

Through the joy of sport, the Special Olympics movement transforms lives and communities throughout the state and in 170 countries around the world by promoting good health and fitness and inspiring inclusion and respect for all people, on and off the playing field. (www.soct.org)

Partner Sponsors: Adams Hometown Markets/IGA Hometown Supermarkets, Dream Ride, ESPN, Eversource Energy, The Hubbell Foundation, Law Enforcement Torch Run, NBC Connecticut, TD Bank, United Technologies and WWE.

Year-Round Suppliers: Adams Hometown Markets/IGA Hometown Supermarkets, Campus Customs/Cymplify, The Coca-Cola Bottling Company of New England, Connecticut Portable Storage/PODS, Crystal Rock Water and Coffee Company, Dunkin’ Donuts, Graebel Moving Services, LLC, Guida’s Milk and Ice Cream, Lamar Outdoor Advertising, Marcus Communications, State of Connecticut Judicial Branch Community Service and WORX.