Yakima, WA – Virginia Wade, the newest and youngest member of Team Superfresh Growers, is counting down the final days to the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria.
Earlier this winter, Catherine Gipe-Stewart, Superfresh Growers Communications Manager, met with Virginia on the slopes of the White Pass ski area in Washington State. Virginia told Catherine about her December training trip to Vermont with the U.S. Special Olympics Alpine Ski Team. She recapped her favorite parts, which included making friends from both the ski and snowboard teams. Hot cocoa remains a favorite part of skiing for Virginia, as she loves warming up after a long cold day on the mountain.
Virginia has spent the last few months training and participating in lead-up competitions. This weekend, Virginia will compete in the Washington State Special Olympic Winter Games, which last year qualified her for the U.S. team in the Worlds. One quick week after the Washington Winter Games, Virginia will head to D.C. to meet up with the U.S. Special Olympic team, and they will fly to Austria together for the World Games. Her first day of competition will be March 19.
The Superfresh sponsorship for Virginia has covered the “behind the scenes” costs to help support her family. From gear and goggles, to flights and accommodations for her whole family to be her own personal cheerleading squad in Austria. Katie Wade, ski coach and sister, says, “Virginia has grown into being a great skier. It’s exciting for all of us to see Virginia go to Austria to compete in the World Special Olympics.”
While preparing to compete in alpine skiing, Virginia has been showing her pride in Washington State and Superfresh apples by wearing apple pins and necklaces, and shouldering a customized apple tote bag. Virginia has become known as “The Apple Girl,” by her friends and family.
The World Games will air on ESPN for the first time. On March 18, tune in to watch the live Opening Ceremony and make sure to look for Virginia among the 300 US Olympic athletes!
Source: Domex Superfresh Growers
