Meet The Team For The Special Olympics World Games in Berlin 2023!

More than 130 Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners, along with 38 coaches, from across the country have been selected to be part of the official Special Olympics USA delegation for the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin 2023! They will travel to Berlin, Germany, to compete in more than 15 sports June 17-25.

Special Olympics South Carolina is excited to have 4 delegation members as part of Special Olympics USA!

Charlotte Lewis, Kayaking

Charlotte is from Bluffton and has competed with Special Olympics for the past four years in basketball, bocce, equestrian, and kayaking. She will represent Special Olympics USA in kayaking.

Training to become a Global Messenger, Charlotte hopes to advocate for her fellow athletes. She is most inspired by Tim Tebow and his advocacy efforts for individuals with disabilities.

Charlotte stays busy with a weekly regimen of CrossFit classes, gym workouts, and eating healthy. She is employed by Publix, where she started as a bagger and was recently promoted to a cashier position. She also enjoys knitting blankets as gifts for others. Competing in the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 is an honor for Charlotte, who feels so lucky to represent her country!

Josh Powell, Unified Bowling

Josh is from Greenville and has been involved with Special Olympics for nearly 30 years as an athlete in Colorado and South Carolina. He has participated in athletics, bowling, and swimming. He will represent Special Olympics USA in bowling.

Through Special Olympics, Josh has traveled the world, visiting programs in China and the Philippines. For the past 8 years, Josh has served as a Global Messenger, speaking to the power of inclusion. Josh is also a talented singer and has performed the United States national anthem at a United States Embassy event hosted in the Philippines. The phrase, “be brave in the attempt,” of the Special Olympics athlete oath has changed Josh’s life, reminding him that his disabilities are also his greatest strengths.

He holds an associate’s degree in ministry and a bachelor’s degree in education. He attended training as a classical singer and uses his talent to make others smile. He is employed at Hampton Inn & Suites as a front desk associate.

Josh refers to Special Olympics as a worldwide family, competing together through fellowship and showing the world what they can do.

Jim Powell, Unified Bowling

Jim is from Simpsonville and is a longtime Special Olympics fan, supporting his 37-year-old son Josh, who competes as an athlete. He will represent Special Olympics USA as a Unified partner in bowling, competing alongside his son.

Special Olympics has provided Jim with many opportunities to demonstrate kindness to others. Now retired, Jim is active in various church activities and trains with his son in preparation for the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.

Kelly Garrick, Golf

Kelly is from Irmo and has worked with Special Olympics South Carolina for the past 22 years. She will represent Special Olympics USA as an assistant coach in golf. In her work as the Senior Sports and Competition Director for SOSC, she is most proud of helping others feel valued and important. She has served as the Head of Delegation for SOSC in all SO USA Games and attended the Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015.

Kelly is musically inclined; teaching children’s music and she loves to sing with groups at her church. She also volunteers with Little League Baseball and volunteers on the parent-teacher organization at her son’s school. Leading up to World Games, she is getting to know the athletes competing in golf and prepping herself physically for long course walks. For Kelly, representing Special Olympics USA is an opportunity to make new friends in an environment focused on sports and achievement.

In preparation for their journey to Berlin, the Special Olympics USA delegation will continue to train – physically, mentally, and beyond.

Join us as we #Cheer4USA now through June!