Get to Know our Athletes
Fourteen of our Special Olympics athletes are trained and ready to meet you on the slopes and throughout the action-packed weekend. Never underestimate this incredible group of athletes, who tend to set
personal records and challenge the best of us. They are thrilled to make new friends, reunite with old friends and tell their stories. Most of all they are honored that so many organizations and people are supporting the more than 16,000 Special Olympic athletes in Northern California and Nevada.
Meet our 2010 Special Olympics' Skiers
Candy AgpawaCandy has been involved in Special Olympics for 24 years. She has participated in roller skating, swimming, track and field, bocce, golf and of course, skiing. Candy graduated from Freedom High School in 2000 and is currently working at Safeway in the deli department. Candy has won many medals for swimming, track and field and skiing. Not only is Candy a dedicated and well- trained athlete, but she is a trained Global Messenger public speaker and is often called upon to speak to various civic groups and corporations about Special Olympics. Most recently, Candy joined the Special Olympics Northern California Board where she represents the athletes of Special Olympics Northern California. When Candy is not training for one of her sports or practicing her speeches, she can probably be found baking some of her famous lemon bars. Hometown: Brentwood, Calif.
Jarod Austis a 24-year-old Special Olympics athlete who has been training and competing in Special Olympics for more than 15 years. He is an avid snowboarder who loves to tear up the slopes and also enjoys basketball, softball, and aquatics. Jarod represented Special Olympics Northern California at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in 2009 where he competed in snowboarding against athletes from all over the world. This is Jarod’s first trip to Winterfest, and he is excited to be joining us. When Jarod is not competing or training for Special Olympics, he enjoys deep sea fishing with his dad. Hometown: Clovis, Calif.
Michael CotterMichael is 34 years old and has participated in Special Olympics for 26 years. He is Team Tahoe’s Global Messenger and makes many speeches concerning Special Olympics. Michael trains and competes in alpine skiing, track and field, softball and bowling. He represented team USA at the Special Olympics World Games in Minnesota. Michael received a Special Olympics Hero Award in 1999 and has won more than 100 medals and ribbons. His hobbies include attending music concerts, sporting events and doing volunteer work in the community. Hometown: South Lake Tahoe
Susie EnosSusie is a 41-year- old athlete who has participated in Special Olympics for more than 20 years. She has trained and competed in alpine skiing, swimming, softball and bowling. During her years of competitions she has won over 100 medals and ribbons, including Gold, Silver and Bronze. In 2006, Susie received the Most Progress for Team Tahoe Alpine Skiing and in 2007 was the Most inspirational Skier for Team Tahoe. Susie is employed at Harrah’s in Lake Tahoe and works in the Food and Beverage Department. Hometown: South Lake Tahoe
Jacqui GilpinJacqui is 22 years old and has been involved in Special Olympics for eight years. Her first sport in Special Olympics was bowling, and she added swimming and most recently skiing. Jacqui graduated from South Tahoe High School in June and now goes to a program for young adults called Choices Transitional Center. When Jacqui is not training or competing in Special Olympics, she likes to listen to her walkman, golf, and ride her bike. One of Jacqui’s favorite vacation spots is Hawaii. Hometown: Stateline, NV
George HarrisGeorge has been involved with Special Olympics for 16 years. He competes in many sports, but loves powerlifting and skiing. His record for the dead lift is 415 pounds! George went to Hoover High School and Fresno Pacific College. He currently works for Fresno Production Center where he has been employed for more than a year. George has a positive attitude and enjoys being around people. He is an inspiration to everyone he meets. He is a great down hill skier who loves the chance to compete. George always has a smile on his face and enjoys being at Winterfest. Hometown: Fresno, Calif., Calif
John LahtiJohn has been active with Special Olympics for more than nine years. He currently participates in softball, bowling, track and field and skiing. He is proud of the many medals and ribbons he has earned and is dedicated to regular practice and workouts. John is employed by Safeway as a courtesy clerk and recently received the Community Hero Award. This included a $1,000 donation made to Special Olympics in his name. John continues to assist with his scout troop and serves as an assistant football coach for his high school team. He visits his girlfriend Vicenta Martinez whenever he can get to Carson City. John's participation in Winterfest has been the highlight of his winter for a few years now. Hometown: Tahoe City, Calif.
Jason MullisJason first started participating in Special Olympics when he was 10 years old. He has participated in almost every sport Special Olympic has to offer. His two favorite sports are skiing and swimming, and he has many gold medals to show his accomplishments. Jason is part of a community work program where he is employed at a CVS Drug Store as a back stocker. In 2001, Jason participated in Winterfest and won the fastest athlete skier award which he still proudly displays in his room. He has participated in many Winterfests since and is still a force to be reckoned with on the slopes! When Jason is not busy with Special Olympics or work, he enjoys playing cd’s and dancing. Hometown: Fresno, Calif..
Jacob PriceJacob Price has been in Special Olympics for 16 years. In addition to enjoying Winter Sports, Jacob also enjoys basketball. Jacob works in a dentist office, cleaning dental instruments and general office maintenance. One of Jacob’s proudest moments was when he won a gold medal in 1994 in alpine skiing. Since then he has accumulated many medals and ribbons. and he is proud of them all. When Jacob is not at work or training for Special Olympics, he enjoys shooting hoops with friends, paintball and playing the drums. Hometown: Fresno, Calif., Calif
Philip SturgeonPhilip is a 35-year-old Special Olympics athlete, who has been training and competing in Special Olympics for 19 years. He enjoys alpine skiing, track and field, softball and bowling. Philip won a Sportsmanship Award in 2000 for bowling and has also won numerous medals and ribbons in various sports. Philip graduated from Douglas High School in 1993 and played on their football team. Most recently the Kiwanis recognized Philip as their regional Team Special Olympics Athlete of the Year. Philip had the honor of competing in the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Idaho where he brought home three gold medals. A regular at Winterfest he is looking forward to another great event. Hometown: South Lake Tahoe