Trip to Greece a highlight for Special Olympics golfer

Editor's note: These are the first in a series of profiles of athletes who will participate among hundreds of others in the Special Olympics State Outdoors Championship Friday through Sunday in Cape Girardeau.

Name: Jeff Minor

Age: Turned 27 on Wednesday. Celebrated with golf game with father and a party.

Hometown: Kansas City.

Parents: Ed and Teresa Minor.

Years in Special Olympics: 18.

Team and position: Golf. Minor participates as a single player and plays at level five, the highest level, which includes a full 18-hole game.

Honors: Returned in early July from participating in the world Special Olympics competition in Athens, Greece. Was one of seven participants from Missouri. Won a bronze medal.

Other sports played: Bowling, basketball, track.

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

Answer: Practice chips in back yard, hit balls two to three times a week, play one to two times a week.

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

A: Meeting new friends.

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

A: Getting to go to Greece.

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

A: Staying in the hotel.

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

A: Work on the computer, fish, listen to music, participate in the Polar Bear Plunge.