By Jacquie Rath
Katie's path in athletics took an unexpected and exciting turn last fall when she was invited to attend the eighth annual Down Under International Games in Australia. To be invited to participate in the games high school athletes must be 16-years-old, on or before the day they depart for the games, possess strong moral character, athletic ability, and must be nominated by a coach.
Katie said she is "honored and excited" about the opportunity. She will be attending as a member of the New York Track and Field Team, and plans to participate in the high jump and the 4x200 relay.
The 2005 Down Under International Games are scheduled for mid-July and Katie has already attended a local planning meeting for the athletes who will represent New York state at the games in Australia. It was an opportunity for the teens to meet each other and learn a bit more about the experience that lies ahead. While in Australia the athletes not only have the opportunity to participate in formal competition, they will also visit the site where the 2000 Summer Olympics were held and swim in the Olympic pool.
The planning meeting also provided a forum to discuss various ways the athletes can raise funds to help with the $4,000 each individual needs to make the trip. The O'Connor family is in the process of contacting local merchants to see if they would be interested in helping to reduce the cost of the trip by providing sponsorships.
"This is a chance of a lifetime for our daughter. We are thrilled that she has this opportunity. We'll find a way to work it out," stated Katie's mother Kathy.
The games are run by International Sports Specialists Incorporated (ISSI), located in Utah and Australia. In addition to the Down Under International Games, the company also organizes the Down Under Bowl and the Down Under Hoops Classic. Past competitors have included Jake Plummer the quarterback for the Denver Broncos and Ahman Green running back for the Green Bay Packers. According to the ISSI Website the competitions are designed to "use the common language of sports to bridge continents."
When the dedicated athlete was asked how she will be preparing for the games Katie said, "Nothing special, I am always training."
Striving to be the best in competition just comes naturally for this local teen.
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