Special Olympics Michigan Law Enforcement Torch Run® Committee Member and Hillsdale County Sheriff Deputy John Gates has been selected for an amazing role for the Special Olympics United States delegation. John will travel to South Korea with team USA for the Special Olympics 2013 World Winter Games in South Korea.

The 2013 Korea Final Leg Torch Run will be held from January 21 to January 29, 2013 culminating with the arrival of the Flame of HopeTM by the Guardians of the Flame, the Final Leg team in Pyeongchang, Korea for the Opening Ceremonies of the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games. During the Final Leg law enforcement officials and Special Olympics athletes, unified together as a part of the Final Leg Team, will serve as true Guardians of the FlameTM and promote the powerful messages of inclusion, acceptance, and ability every step of the Final Leg journey to promote the 2013 Winter World Games.

Two Special Olympics Michigan athletes will also join Gates at the 2013 World Winter Games in South Korea. Damon Cassese from Caledona, Mich. will compete in Level 2 downhill snowboarding and Amy Kaptein from Jenison, Mich. will compete in cross-country skiing.

Special Olympics athletes of all ability levels will compete in seven different Olympic-type sports including: Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Snow Boarding, Snow Shoeing, Short-Track Speed Skating, Figure Skating, and Floor Hockey.

No other organized event in the world has the social and emotional impact of the Special Olympics World Games.

For the athletes and their families, the experience opens doors to unimagined possibilities. For volunteers, coaches and other supporters from all parts of the world, the Games inspire hope and belief in a brighter future of global acceptance, understanding and unity.

The World Games are flagship events for the Special Olympics Movement. They take place every two years and alternate between Summer and Winter Games. The Games can be the world's largest sporting event of the year. Thousands of athletes, coaches, volunteers and supporters attend to see and cheer the skills and accomplishments of people with intellectual disabilities.

The first Special Olympic World Games took place in 1968 and since then have evolved into a world-class sporting event, attracting a wide range of sponsors, supporters and media. Special Olympics World Games bring public attention to the talents and capabilities of people with intellectual disabilities, helping to change attitudes and break down barriers that excluded them from the mainstream of the community.