Special Olympics North Carolina State Summer Games 2012
My involvement with Special Olympics Volleyball began two years ago in Raleigh, NC. The summer before I was competing in the Pentathlon event and decided I wanted to play an indoor sport since summers in NC can be very hot. I found Volleyball and fell in love with the game immediately. My first season playing I met Rick and Connie Laskey. They both are involved in helping Special Olympics (SONC) volleyball.
During our matches for the Summer Games, Connie approached me and asked if I would like to become an Athlete Official for Special Olympics (formally known as SOOPA).
I accepted and am now a USA Provisional Level Volleyball Official. This coming summer I look forward to volunteering as an Volleyball Official and giving back to an organization that believes in their athletes as leaders.
About Kristine Hughes: I've participated with Special Olympics Idaho 2002 and now compete with Special Olympics North Carolina (SONC). I've competed in softball, soccer, basketball, tennis, and athletics.
I see myself as a unique athlete because I've served my country in the United States Navy and served as a Forest Fire Fighter with the California Conservation Corp.
My best experiences came from SONC when I was asked to become a Global Messenger and competed on Team North Carolina for the USA National Games Nebraska in 2010.