Special Olympics Figure Skater to Represent USA at 2009 World Games

by Kyle Charland

Except for an occasional trip to the ice with her mother, Team USA Special Olympics Athlete Shelley Wagner had never picked up a pair of ice skates until four years ago.

After a lot of hard work and dedication, Shelley has now earned a spot on Team USA at the 2009 Special Olympics World Games, which will be held Feb. 6-13 in Boise, Idaho.

Shelley began participating in Special Olympics events in the 1970s, when the organization was still in its infancy. Today, at 44 years old, Shelley has been involved with Special Olympics for nearly 36 years.

"She has come a long way," says her mother, Judy Wagner. "In the beginning years it was a great place to practice her independence, to meet new people and to do things that are her favorite things to do."

Shelley loves to dance, so figure skating seemed to be a natural fit.

"Everyone claps and cheers. I feel happy," says Shelley.

Often, her mother notices the joy Shelley experiences when she's on the ice performing to one of her favorite Disney songs.

"She gets a grin that is awfully big," says Judy.

Shelley is now preparing for what could be one of the most important events of her Special Olympics career.

"This is my first time doing this," Shelly says. "I feel like a star."

Currently, Shelley trains with her coach, Char Decker, Thursday afternoons. Before she leaves the house, she prepares for her workout, both mentally and physically, by doing stretches, balancing and practicing standing on one foot -- something that helps figure skaters when they perform.

When she arrives at the ice, Decker puts her to work, practicing waltz jumps, crossovers and back turns.

But as the World Games draw closer, training will become more intense and frequent.

With the weight of competing against 165 countries from around the wold on her shoulders, Shelley isn't the only one feeling the pressure.

"I'm a mom. I'm nervous. But it is an opportunity -- a great opportunity," Judy says. "It's absolutely wonderful."

Shelley is one of the expected 3,000 athletes who will be competing.