FORT JACKSON, S.C. (June 19, 2014) -- One of Fort Jackson's own was selected to represent South Carolina in the Special Olympics 2014 USA Games in Princeton, New Jersey, this week. Skyy Cope is a dining facility attendant at the dual dining facility serving the 1st Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment and the 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment.
"It's the only thing I am looking forward to, I love it," Cope said in a statement on the Special Olympics website, www.2014specialolympics.org. "I started (participating in the) Special Olympics in Stuttgart, Germany when I was 4 years old. It has changed my life. It has made me a better person."
Cope will participate in the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash and the 100-meter relay.
"I have waited many years to attend the USA Games, and it makes me happy," Cope said in the statement. "I can't wait to go. I look forward to meeting athletes I have never met before. I thank God that I will be participating in these games."
Cope has also received overwhelming support from co-workers and supervisors who have designed a poster wishing her the best of luck in Princeton.
"When Skyy told us that she would be attending the nationals it made us very excited, so we decided to send her off with a bang. So when she is out there running she will remember that we are behind her the entire way," said Cynthia Gallmon, dining facility shift leader.
One of Cope's co-workers said all the staff members are rooting for her.
"It's exciting for us and her because it's like when she wins we win, too. And for us to have one of our own to have made it to nationals -- it feels good," said Meya Brannon, dining facility attendant.
More than 100 athletes from South Carolina are participating in this week's events, which range from aquatics to flag football.
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