PECK, Idaho — Athletes around the globe are gearing up for one of the biggest athletic events in the world; The Special Olympics World Games.
Idaho’s Olympian: Jeff Greene, a charismatic athlete who’s beyond thrilled to represent the Gem State in Turin, Italy next week.
“He was told on a zoom call with the Special Olympics Idaho staff, and they told him, ‘You’re going to Italy!'” Jeff’s mother, Nancy told us.
“I was like, ‘Oh my gosh!'” Jeff said laughing alongside her in the interview.
Jeff trains in Peck, Idaho, roughly 45 minutes East of Lewiston.
Not long after qualifying, the Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office, alongside Idaho State Police, personally delivered Jeff his invitation to the games.
“We were the talk of Peck,” Nancy laughed as several police cars rolled into their neighborhood. It was a moment Jeff described as ‘amazing.’
He’ll be competing in the world snowshoe championships, racing in the 25 and 50 meter events.
Jeff’s journey to the World Games is decades in the making; he has been a part of the Special Olympics for 30 years.
This is his second invitation to the World Games, having previously qualified in 2020, when the games were held in Russia. Those games were ultimately canceled because of the pandemic.
This time around, Jeff is ready to shine on the world stage. Thousands will be in attendance, but none more important than his number one fan.
“Jeff keeps saying, ‘Oh I’ll hear my mom, no matter where I’m at, I’ll hear my mom,'” Nancy said, who couldn’t be prouder.
Opening Ceremonies are March 8 at 6 p.m. local time, 11:00 a.m. (PST) on ESPN.
Jeff’s events are on March 12 and March 14.
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