Athlete never misses practice

Editor's note: These are the second installment in a series of profiles of athletes who will participate among hundreds of others in the Special Olympics state Outdoor Championships today through Sunday in Cape Girardeau.

Name: Patrick Andrews

Age: 27

Hometown: Delta

Parents: Jim and Carolyn Andrews.

Years in Special Olympics: about 13

Team and position: He plays softball, second and third base, with the Cape Tornadoes.

Honors: Named regional Special Olympics athlete of the year twice in the 1990s.

Other sports played: swimming, track, softball, basketball, soccer and bowling.

Question: What do you do to train for the games?

Answer: He attends practice once a week, no matter how hot it is. Last year he played on a softball team that represented Missouri in the National Special Olympics in Lincoln, Neb. The team won gold medals.

Q: What's your favorite thing about the Special Olympics?

A: Being with the people, going on the trip, being with other Olympians.

Q: What's the best thing that's happened to you during Special Olympics?

A: Going to the nationals.

Q: What do you like to do when you're not training or competing in Special Olympics?

A: He likes to play games on PlayStation 2, watch movies, hang out with friends and travel. He has attended Camp Barnabas, a camp for special needs, in southwest Missouri one week per year for the past 11 years.

Q: What's the best part about the Special Olympics State Outdoor Championships being in Cape Girardeau?

A: It's close to home. Friends and family can root them on without taking a long trip.