Local NWSRA athlete headed to World Games

Arlington Heights, IL- From March 14-25, Steve McVoy, Jr. of Arlington Heights, IL will head to Austria to compete in the Special Olympics World Games. Steve is a multi-sport athlete with Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA), competing for the past 29 years in swimming, softball, floor hockey, golf, soccer, basketball bocce, weight lifting, track & field, volleyball, bowling, flag football and more. In addition, he has been very active in other NWSRA programs including summer camp, weekly programs, special events, trips and social clubs.

This will be Steve's second trip to World Games, as he was chosen to compete in Nagano, Japan in 2005.

Steve's mother, Pam McVoy stated "Our family was able to go to Japan and support Steve and all the athletes during their competition. Even though it was a Special Olympics event, it was made possible through his participation in NWSRA. It is a great family memory!"

In order to qualify for the 2017 World Games, he received a Gold medal at the 2016 Winter State Competition in Galena in the Alpine Skiing competition. Steve also attended a training camp in Killington, Vermont for 5 days, where he trained with his Special Olympics Team USA coaches and other athletes. Upon completion of this training camp, he was evaluated for final acceptance for the national team. His parents, Steve Sr. and Pam, were very excited to hear the news that Steve would be representing his country at the World Games as a Level 4 skier.

Last summer, at his own cost, Steve attended an Alpine Ski Race Training Camp through the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD). The camp was held in Portland, Oregon, where he skied on Mt. Hood. At the same time, Steve had qualified for the State Summer Games in Bloomington/Normal, where he qualified for weightlifting. However, he decided to narrow his focus toward Alpine Skiing with the ultimate goal of preparing for international competition.

To prepare for World Games, Steve has continued his participation in NWSRA programs including skiing, weightlifting and basketball to help him further his cardio, muscle strength and endurance. He has also registered with a Personal Trainer for weekly sessions, competed in the Winter Games competition in Galena, and continues to work out in the gym three days per week.

Stephen started participating in NWSRA programs at the age of 8. One of his first programs was cross country skiing.

Pam stated "He did that for a couple of years and apparently had the need for speed, so he started alpine skiing at age 10."

Now 37, Steve has achieved success on a variety of local, regional, national and international stages throughout his years with NWSRA. In 2008, he played in a par 3 tournament prior to the Western Open at Cog Hill, then enjoyed complimentary tickets to the Western Open with his father, Steve Sr. In 2014, he competed with the NWSRA Softball Team in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at the National Softball Tournament. In 2015, he played a few holes of golf with professional golfer Russ Cochran while he was in town for the BMW Championship in Lake Forest. When they finished playing, Russ took Steve into the Pro Shop and bought Steve a special grip for his driver, which he still uses.

Through NWSRA programs, Steve has been given choices to meet his recreational interests, while developing new friendships, learning good sportsmanship, team play and greater independence.

Pam stated "NWSRA has been an ongoing presence in Steve's life since he was a young child. The organization has enhanced Steve's life in many aspects, including social and athletic development. It has allowed him to be part of a community promoting friendships, teamwork, confidence & respect."

Steve will be surrounded and supported by family in Austria, as family members will be flying in from locations throughout the nation and around the globe. His brother, Brendan will be flying to Austria from Seoul, South Korea to support him for a second time at World Games. In addition, several family members will fly in from Florida, North Carolina, and Illinois. Not only will they be cheering him on at the World Games, they will also have a one of a kind opportunity on Monday, March 20 to celebrate his 38th birthday while in Austria.

The Illinois delegation will gather on Saturday, March 11th in Chicago where there will be a send-off celebration and dinner, where Steve will be joined by his parents. The next day, Steve and the Illinois delegation will fly to Washington, D.C. where they will meet up with the rest of the USA teams and celebrate with a special "send off." On Monday, March 13th, the athletes will fly to Austria to begin final preparations and experience some of the local tourist attractions prior to competition. NWSRA Executive Director Tracey Crawford stated "We are all very excited for Steve, and wish him the best of luck in competition."