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  Delaney
Hansen packed her suitcase at least 12 times for her July 12-16 Special
Olympics Team USA Training Camp trip to Nashville. The 18 year-old is
very excited and has been telling anyone within earshot about her upcoming
trip to compete in the equestrian competition at the 2007
Special Olympics World Summer Games in China.
While in Washington, DC recently, helping her father, a physician, lobby
for Medicare coverage; Delaney drew the attention of some very influential
ears. She was most intent however on visiting Congresswoman Virginia Foxx
of North Carolina District 5. Representative Foxx met Delaney in 2006
and the two were fast friends. This year, Delaney made sure to stop in
to tell the Rep. Foxx about her selection to Special Olympics Team USA
and to fill her in all her equestrian competitions and how her horse Max
was doing.
"Delaney gave Rep. Foxx a hug when she saw her," said Cathy
Hansen, Delaney's mother. "Rep. Foxx was so excited to hear about
the China trip and Delaney just beamed when she told her how proud she
was of her. It was so nice of her to make time for us and pose for some
pictures."
While in DC, the Hansen family visited two art museums and one happened
to be featuring Chinese art so Delaney was excited at the chance to learn
more about China. Her initial at the culture came in April, during a family
trip to Walt Disney's Epcot Center. She ate Chinese food with chopsticks
and saw a movie about the country. She and her mother who is a Team USA
-equestrian coach will learn even more about the Chinese their customs
during the Team USA Training Camp.
Believe it or not, Delaney's focus isn't solely on China. Upon returning
from Nashville, the Hansen's will head to Raleigh for Delaney's competition
at the 2007
Special Olympics North Carolina Midsummer Tournament on July 20-22.
Delaney will compete in English Equitation, English Trails and for the
first time ever Dressage competition.
"I've seen such a big change in Delaney this year," said her
mom. "Ever since her Team USA selection her confidence has blossomed
and her riding has really gotten good. She seems to have grown-up before
our eyes."
The Midsummer Tournament will be Delaney's last Special Olympics competition
before her trip to China in October so be sure and come out to see her
perform at the Hunt Horse Complex and don't miss fellow Team USA-NC equestrian
member A. J Cottrill of Lee County as well!
Good Luck Delaney!
To nominate a person to be featured in "Spotlight", contact
Lisa Pleasants by phone at 1-800-843-6276, ext. 110, or by e-mail at lpleasants@sonc.net.
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