As runners and walkers in Las Vegas are preparing for our 4th annual 5K/8K Road Run on March 9, Skye Canyon resident Christine McCullough, 46, is training hard to compete at the upcoming Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi. She will represent Nevada in the track and field portion of the event.
Christine loves sports, track and field, basketball, golf and bowling. She joined Special Olympics in 1995 to nourish her competitive spirit. “You get to do more activities and training with Special Olympics,” she said. Her favorite event is the 4 x 100 sprint relay because of the team work element involved in the passing of the baton.
To get ready to compete against athletes from around the world at World Games, Christine is busy weight training and running. She loves pushing herself through tough training sessions to increase her chances of bringing home a medal.
And if that’s a lot of pressure, it doesn’t show. “I’m excited,” she said of competing on an international stage. “I am ready to go, like now!”
Since moving to Skye Canyon in 2016, Christine has focused on her athleticism with the help of the state-of-the-art amenities at Skye Fitness. “My favorite [piece of] equipment is the rowing machine,” she said. Christine enjoys energizing her workouts with a cup of Starbucks coffee prepared by the friendly baristas at Skye Bistro.
Christine and her family chose Skye Canyon as their home because of the strong sense of community. “[I love] the atmosphere and the people that I meet around here; they become my friends,” she said. Christine also loves taking part in resident programming like hiking and sporting activities.
Although Christine will be across the world during the 5K/8K Road Run, she advises all participants to warm up and stretch before hitting the pavement. And for those doubting themselves, “I encourage you to come out to participate and enjoy it,” she said.
Runners and walkers of all ages and ability levels can register for the 5K/8K Road Run. The $25 race registration includes the post-race pancake breakfast, participation medal and Skye Canyon swag bag. A portion of the race proceeds benefits Special Olympics Nevada. The public is welcome to join the post-race breakfast for at $5 donation to the non-profit.
Special Olympics Nevada is celebrating 50 years of service by transforming the lives of children and adults with intellectual disabilities by providing year-round sports training and competition by replicating the Olympic Games. Please join us in supporting this important organization.