Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Swimmer Eyes Competition, Fun at Special Olympics by Mike O'Sullivan Swimmer Betsy Cory of San Diego is one of 6,500 athletes from 165 countries who will compete in Los Angeles in the Special Olympics World Games, which will start Saturday. She practices twice a week and has meets on Saturdays to get ready for the games. Cory has won medals, including a gold, in national competitions and will face her biggest challenge yet at the Special Olympics. Cory, 46, said swimming is a big part of her life: "I've been swimming ever since I was the age of 4 years old." And she she said she loves to be in the water, "because when I get in the water, I feel so good. It refreshes me on a hot day." The Special Olympics will feature 25 sports from aquatics to volleyball. Cory will compete in freestyle, backstroke and relay races. Friends are rooting for her on her Facebook page. Her coach, Kim Holt, said Cory is focused. She is "eating a lot healthier, and focusing on exercise and making that a very strong point in her life," the coach said. People call Cory competitive, but she said competition is just one part of the Olympics. "We're there to have fun," she said. It's also competition, but I think we're there to have a lot of fun and to meet new people." __________________________________________________________________ [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/swimmer-eyes-competition-fun-special- olympics/2872223.html References 1. http://www.voanews.com/content/swimmer-eyes-competition-fun-special-olympics/2872223.html