The Opening Ceremonies of the Special Olympics USA Games are this Sunday, and a Valley team is gearing up for the big day.
ABC15 recently had the chance to meet up with some of athletes who will be representing us this weekend.
When Phillipo Howery started playing volleyball a year ago, he didn't have much experience.
"When I first came to volleyball, I didn't know how to play."
Twelve months later, he's ready to shine on the national stage alongside amazing friends he's made along the way.
One of those friends is Hadley Hawkins. She calls volleyball her second career because, "my first is singing, but my second is volleyball, because I do like playing."
Coach Lisa Lopez has been guiding Phillipoo, Hadley, and all their teammates along the way. "To see how far they've come; they're attacking the ball, they're serving it over the net. Just to see that growth, it gives me chills."
The team puts all of that hard work to the test in Seattle next week, but before they do, they'll have the opportunity to take part in the Opening Ceremonies this Sunday, July 1.
You can watch the ceremonies on ABC15 with coverage kicking off at 12:30 p.m.
