Pocono News Section

Area student in Special Olympics

Area student in Special Olympics - Friday, January 9, 2009 at 2:44PM EST

Reported by: David DeCosmo WYOU TV News
Friday, Jan 9, 2009 @ 02:44pm EST
TAFTON, PIKE COUNTY- A Special Education student from the Delaware Valley School District will join Team USA for the Special Olympic's World Winter Games in Idaho next month.

16-year-old Victor Beadle will represent Special Education Area 'P' as Pennsylvania's only male Alpine skier. Area 'P' includes, Pike, Wayne, Susquehanna, Lackawanna, and Wyoming Counties.

Beadle started skiing when he was in ninth grade. His teacher and coach, Eric Kundrich from the Delaware Valley School District. said everything came together for the young man at the State Winter Games in Johnstown last year when he won a couple of Gold Medals.

The teenager is also a swimmer. He captured two Gold Medals and two Silver Medals at Penn State last year. Asked about his success, Beadle said "just train hard. Do your best. And practice, practice, practice!"

Beadle is one of an estimated 700 Special Ed students in Area 'P' who participate in skiing. Coach Kundrich says the sport gives the students "self esteem" and "helps them life long."

Asked if he will be going for the gold at the World Winter Games Beadle said "I'm always going for the gold."

Beadle leaves for the games in Boise, Idaho on February 6th. The Special Olympics World Winter Games run from February 7th through February 13th.