“We now declare the 2008 Special Olympics North Carolina Midsummer Tournament open!”

Cheers will fill Dorton Arena Friday, July 18, 2008, as Julia Dalton, Miss Teen North Carolina USA, and Andrea Duke, Miss North Carolina USA, say those exciting words.

Julia Dalton, a native of Wilmington, NC, is thrilled to be a part her fourth SONC state-level competition as Miss Teen NC, USA. “ I love Special Olympics because of the accomplishments that athletes make. It makes them feel special, and that’s rewarding for me.”

“It feels really great to open the games and hear everyone cheer. It’s a big moment for me – but it’s even more so for the athletes,” Julia adds.

Since Julia won her crown in the fall of 2007, she has made it a point to be at every state-level event: the 2007 Fall Games, the 2008 SONC Basketball & Cheerleading Tournament, the 2008 Summer Games and the 2008 SONC Midsummer Tournament. Julia’s mom has joined her in this endeavor. Julia is the first Queen in many years to attend all four state-level events!

Julia’s family has been involved with Special Olympics for a long time. Julia’s maternal grandmother taught special education for 25 years, where she saw firsthand how Special Olympics encouraged physical education and taught social skills. That was the beginning of three generations of Julia’s family participating in Special Olympics!

Julia and her mom have found that attending the games is very inspiring.

“At the 2008 SONC Basketball and Cheerleading Tournament in Winston-Salem, I remember a girl saw my crown and started running towards me saying, “Princess, princess! Can I hug you? She was so excited to see the ‘sparkle’,” said Julia.

These kinds of moments are what make Special Olympics mean so much to Julia and her mom. “The excitement, the athlete’s excitement is contagious,” Julia said.

The Aquatics event is especially special to Julia since she’s been swimming competitively since the age of 5. “I could really relate to the athletes competing in aquatics, which made me really get into it!”

In addition to the Opening Ceremonies, Julia and Andrea will stay for the dance at the 2008 SONC Midsummer Tournament – always a favorite of the athletes and the Queens.

“The most common questions I get are ‘Can I get your picture? Can I hug you? Can I get your autograph? Are you going to be at the dance?’ I’ve been asked to dance but I didn’t want to embarrass myself!”

Julia is currently preparing for the Miss Teen USA Pageant which will be held August 16, 2008 in the Bahamas.

Thank you for supporting SONC athletes in the 2007-2008 SONC competition year! We’ll be cheering for you Julia!

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