Editor's note: These are the third installment in a series of profiles of athletes who will participate among hundreds of others in the Special Olympics state Outdoor Championships through today in Cape Girardeau.

Name: Eric Sanders

Age: 25

Hometown: Cape Girardeau

Parents: Kathy Shepard

Years in Special Olympics: 11

Team and position: Eric is a backup pitcher for the Cape Tornadoes softball team.

Other sports played: He enjoys basketball, bocce and bowling.

Question: What's your favorite sport?

Answer: Bowling

Q: What do you do to train for the games?

A: I do a lot of practice.

Q: What's your favorite thing about Special Olympics?

A: Hanging out with team and traveling

Q: What's the best thing that's happened to you during Special Olympics?

A: We got to go to the nationals last year in Nebraska.

Q: What's the best part about the Special Olympics State Outdoor Championships being in Cape Girardeau?

A: For people to see what's here and what's not.

Q: What do you like to do when you're not training or competing in Special Olympics?

A: Video games