A special athlete

Shawn Stainbrook, 39, has confidence in himself as an athlete.

In addition to qualifying for the second time to compete as a cross-country skier in the Special Olympics World Winter Games this year, he plays on local basketball, floor hockey and softball teams. He participates in weightlifting and track-and-field events.

But he copes with his success with humility.

"If I can do it, anybody can do it," he said. "They can reach higher than their goals if they put their minds to it."

Stainbrook grew up in Moab, Utah, then moved with his mining family to Elko. In 1987, he was placed in a group home in Carson City designed to help the mentally impaired transition into society.

He credits the home with helping him open the doors to several opportunities.

He joined Special Olympics and learned to cross-country ski in 1989. That same year, he made the World Games, which was hosted in Nevada and California.

"Ever since then, I've been skiing," he said. "I like the competition and you've got snow all surrounding you and trees."

He leaves today for Nagano, Japan, where the games will be hosted Feb. 26-March 5.

The first Special Olympics World Games held in Asia is expected to draw more than 2,000 athletes and 650 coaches from 80 countries. It is the only location to host the Olympics, Paralympics and Special Olympics.

"I can't wait," he said. "It's my first time going to Japan. That's awesome I'm going to be with a bunch of other good players."

Outside of sports, Stainbrook leads a full personal life.

He is married with 8-year-old twins who attend Fremont Elementary School.

He works as a grocery bagger at Scolari's.

"It's kind of surprising that I can be an athlete and raise two girls," he said. "It is a challenge. It's worth it."

- Contact Teri Vance at tvance@ nevadaappeal.com or at 881-1272.

Athlete Oath

"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."

Special Olympics mission statement:

To provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Facts about Special Olympics

• Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver.

• Serves more than 1 million people with intellectual disabilities in more than 200 programs in more than 150 countries.

• To participate in Special Olympics, you must be at least 8 years old and identified by an agency or professional as having one of the following conditions: intellectual disabilities, cognitive delays, or significant learning or vocational problems.

For information, go to www.specialolympics.org.