Arlington Heights, Bartlett residents in Special Olympics winter games

Two Northwest suburban residents will represent the United States at the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games this March in Austria.

Steve McVoy, of Arlington Heights, will compete in Alpine skiing. He is sponsored by the Northwest Special Recreation Association.

Lisa Menichino, of Bartlett, will compete in cross-country skiing. She is sponsored by the Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association.

In total, Special Olympics Illinois is sending six Chicago-area athletes to the World Games, which take place March 14-25 in Graz, Ramsau and Schladming. Special Olympics USA is sending 150 athletes, 40 coaches and 20 delegation members.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these athletes to demonstrate their athletic abilities, competing at the highest level on the world stage, and to have life and cultural experiences that will stay with them for the rest of their lives," said Chris Hahn, head of delegation for Special Olympics USA, in a news release.