Editor's Note: This is the first in a series of profiles of local athletes who will participate in the Special Olympics State Outdoor Championships to be held Friday through Aug. 15 in Cape Girardeau.

Name: Lucas Blattel

Age: 27

Hometown: Delta

Years in Special Olympics: 8

Current team and position: Second baseman for The Southeast Storm softball team. Also competing in tennis.

Sports played: Softball, soccer, basketball, bowling, track and field, power weight lifting and tennis.

Question: What's your favorite sport?

Answer: Power weight lifting

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

A: I practice once a week with our team and run two or three miles every day on a treadmill at home. I play catch with my brother or my mom.

Q: What's your favorite part of Special Olympics?

A: You get to make new friends and see all the fans come out and cheer us on. It helps us play a lot better when people are there to cheer us on.

Q: What's the best part of having the Special Olympics State Outdoor Championships in Cape Girardeau this weekend?

A: We don't have to travel and spend money. More people we know will be able to come watch us.

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

A: Collecting model cars. I have way too many to count.

For more information on the Special Olympics State Outdoor Championships, visit www.somo.org.