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Our Favorite Stories from 2021

Take a look back at our favorite athlete stories from 2021

It's been a very busy year for us here at Special Olympics Virginia, and with a busy year comes amazing and inspiring stories. With that being said, here are our top 5 from throughout 2021:

1. Reacting to Great News

We begin with a story that we reported on in June, about athletes being accepted to compete in the USA games next year in Orlando. Watch some of their reactions and read their stories here:

The Surprises Continue for Team Virginia Athletes

50 athletes will represent Special Olympics Virginia at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando, Florida.
1 Min Read

2. A Moment Robert Will Never Forget

Moving along that vein, one of our favorite reactions was of Robert Harris, who got the news that he was going to Orlando in the most emotional way possible:

The Surprise of a Lifetime

Special Olympics Athlete Robert Harris learns he's going to Orlando!
1 Min Read

3. A National Champion

In May, we reported on the story of Grace Braxton, who won the 2021 United States Disabled Golf Association (USDGA) Women`s Golf tournament. The tournament lasted 3 days in Arizona. You can read all about it here:

Grace Anne Braxton Wins National Tournament

Braxton competes in United States Disability Golf Tournament
1 Min Read

4 and 5. Video Profiles

Our last 2 stories of the year are profiles on SOVA athletes Bryan Coons and Forrest Holbert. Bryan has competed in track, basketball and swimming and Forrest designed the Torch Run T shirt for this year. You can read about Bryan here:

And Forrest here:

Athlete Profile | Forrest Holbert

Meet this year's Torch Run t-shirt designer.
1 Min Read

Well, that does it for Special Olympics Virginia for this year. From all of us, to all of you, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year!