Two from Dorman to represent U.S. in China's Special Olympics summit

Chris Rhodenbaugh and Rashad Richardson have a lot in common. Rashad, 16, is a sophomore at Dorman High School, while 18-year-old Chris is a 2007 graduate of the school. They both enjoy music, family and sports. And they both share a passion for the Special Olympics organization, which gives athletes with special needs a chance to compete with their peers.

The two teens now will have a unique chance to share their passion with millions around the world. They have been chosen members of the 2007 Special Olympics Global Youth Summit in Shanghai, China, from Oct. 2-11. The two young men, along with their adviser, Marsha Deal, will be the only team to represent the United States. They're also one of two teams representing North America. While in China, the trio will publish stories, blogs and Webinars to help people understand the strength of the special needs community.

"They're going to be representing the U.S. in this global group of young people that share many different things in common even though they're from different parts of the world," said Ron Vederman, director of organizational development with Special Olympics. "We hope our organization will form a bridge through acceptance, and through sport is how we show individuals what they can do."

Vederman said the Spartanburg team went through a competitive application and interview process. They were among about 15 teams to apply. In China, there will be teams from about 15 countries, and each team consists of one Special Olympics athlete and one non-disabled partner from the same school or community.

Rashad is a gymnast with Special Olympics. For the past eight years, he's honed his skills on the rings, pommel horse and bars. Chris, who began classes at the University of Notre Dame last week, began volunteering with the organization through his golf team at Dorman. The teens held a celebration at Fuddruckers last week, complete with family, friends and balloons to wish them well.

"I think I'm excited about being able to meet people from all over the world and come together with the same focus and same idea," Chris said.

Rashad said he's looking forward to meeting new people. And his mother, Laverne Pearson, said his confidence will get a boost because of this opportunity.

"I'm excited about the movement to include special needs people in everyday events in the world," said Deal, a special education teacher at Dorman with 29 years in the field. "And that's our goal: to inform the world that special needs people have hopes and dreams just like they do."

Rashad brought home several gymnastics medals from the 2003 World Games in Ireland. He will not compete in China; however, two other local athletes and a coach will. Darlene Wycuff and Jason Morrow are among four athletes from the state selected to compete. And Dorman golf coach Lewis Terry was selected to be one of eight assistant coaches for Team USA golf.

Wycuff, 55, will participate in the 100-meter walk and the softball throw. Morrow, 20, is a swimmer, skilled in the 50-meter butterfly, 25-meter butterfly and 100-meter freestyle.

"I'm looking forward to meeting new friends," said Morrow, whose mother taught him how to swim as a baby. A senior at Polk County High School in Columbus, N.C., Morrow is also excited that his family is traveling to China to cheer him on.

Wycuff has been involved with Special Olympics for years, having won ribbons in cheerleading, bowling and badminton. Her trip to China will be the first out of the country.

"I think it's great what they do for me," Wycuff said of the organization. "I think it's great I can learn to depend on myself and speak for myself in Special Olympics."