Friends, sportsmanship big part of Special Olympics

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: Tim Stock

Age: 47

Hometown: Sikeston, Mo.

Parents: Paul and Dorothy Stock of Perryville, Mo.

Years in Special Olympics: 4

Team and position: The Crossroads unified softball team, third base.

Question: What's your favorite sport?

Answer: Softball and bowling. I really like bowling. We normally go to Joplin to compete in bowling, but it was completely blown away this year. I also play on the track and field team.

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

A: Practice real hard, be prepared. We take it very seriously. We play the Cape Girardeau Storm. They're always an awesome team. We've beat them three times in a row this year. We are two wins away from the top spot in the state, and could take No. 1 this weekend.

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

A: I enjoy being around friends, making friends. The sportsmanship is good. After we get done we line up and shake hands. I think that's special and really neat.

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

A: Winning is probably the most exciting. We compete and win as much as possible. And making friends. I've made really close friends on our team.

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

A: It's awesome the way teams compete. They go all out and try their best. You win some and you lose some. That's all part of it.

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

A: I watch TV. I'm on Social Security. I talk often with my brother who lives in town. I just love doing things (activities) with the company. I've been here five years. They are really nice people.