Special Olympics athlete enjoys making friends, being part of a team

Editor's note: This is the second in a series of profiles of local athletes who will participate along with about 700 others in the Special Olympics State Outdoor Championships to be held Friday through Sunday in Cape Girardeau.

Name: Dary McIntyre

Age: 18

Hometown: Cape Girardeau

Years in Special Olympics: Two

Current team and position: Shortstop, second base and outfield for the Southeast Cyclones.

Sports played: Softball, basketball, track and bowling.

Question: What's your favorite sport?

Answer: I love to run track.

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

A: I go to practice once a week. At home I do push-ups, sit ups and leg exercises when I am doing track.

Q: What's the best thing that's happened to you as a result of Special Olympics?

A: I got to go to Greece earlier this summer for a [Special Olympics] World Games test event. ... I ran the 100 and 200 meter races.

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

A: I get to meet friends. My first year I made more than one friend. I love being on a team. It doesn't feel right if I am myself and I don't run with anybody else. We all get along pretty good.

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

A: Riding my bike and hanging out with my grandparents [Howard and Gwyndle McGee] and my dogs.

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