Weightlifting is Cape athlete's favorite sport

Editor's note: This is the fifth in a series of profiles of local athletes who will participate along with about 700 others in the Special Olympics State Outdoor Championships to be held Friday through Sunday in Cape Girardeau.

Name: Brianne Chavez

Age: 23

Hometown: Cape Girardeau

Parents: Pam and Mike Chavez

Current team and position: catcher, second or third base for the Southeast Storm

Sports played: Softball, basketball, soccer, weightlifting, track and field.

Question: What's your favorite sport?

Answer: Weightlifting. Her coach, Uta Smith, said, "She beats all the guys."

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

A: I come to practice with the team every Sunday.

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

A: My favorite part is making friends, playing the sports and having fun.

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

A: Playing with my brother (Jason Chavez of the the Plaza Tire Capahas) in nationals in Lincoln, Neb. I like traveling a lot. After our games we get to go dancing and hang out with our friends.

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

A: We'll have lots more people watching.

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

A: I like to have barbecues with my family, doing chores and helping my grandma.

For more information on the Special Olympics State Outdoor Championships, visit www.somo.org/outdoor.