Local athlete representing USA at international 2013 Special Olympics
By: Bret Lemoine
Updated: December 27, 2012
DE PERE, Wis. (WFRV) A De Pere man is gearing up to represent Team USA in the 2013 Special Olympics Winter Games in South Korea. Next month, 22 year old Alexander Guild will leave for the 14 day event. He'll participate in three snowshoe racing competitions.
Guild is an endurance runner and multiple State Games champion. As a child, he suffered from Sensory Integration Dysfunction - a neurological disorder that decreases the brains ability to process sensory signals. He couldn't even feel the ground he walked on. Now, thanks to occupational therapy, joint compression and running, he's one step closer to Olympic gold.
"I couldn't feel the feet to my legs when I walked," Guild recalls. "I always had to look at the ground when I was walking."
Guild is one of three members of Team Wisconsin headed to the games. In total, 151 will make up Team USA. The Special Olympics run from January 29th through February 5th.
If you'd like to donate to help raise money to cover travel and gear expenses, you're asked to visit this site.
