Sammamish’s Jay headed to South Korea to represent U.S. | Community recreation news

A Sammamish resident is headed around the world to compete in Special Olympics.

Michelle Jay, a cross country skier with Special Olympics Washington, will be one of only six athletes from the state traveling to Pyeongchang, South Korea for the 2013 World Winter Games, from January 29-February 6.

Jay is the only member of the U.S. team from the Eastside and will join Zachery Nelson, Alpine Skiing Pasco; Ben Green, Cross Country Skiing, Seattle; Heather Comer, Alpine Skiing, Spokane Valley; Michelle Stedman, Cross Country Skiing, Lewiston Ida. and David Bishop, Cross Country Skiing, Seattle.

Athletes qualified for the World Games by winning a gold medal at the state games in Wenatchee and will have travel costs covered by supporters of Special Olympics Washington.

The 10th Special Olympics World Winter Games will bring nearly 3,300 athletes from 112 countries together in PyeongChang and Gangneung, Republic of Korea, the same site where the 2018 Winter Olympics will be held. Athletes will compete in: alpine skiing, cross country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, short track speed skating, figure skating and floor hockey.

Contact and submissions: jsuman@bellevuereporter.com