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PHOENIX (AZFamily) — More than 100 Arizona athletes will compete across 11 sports at the Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, including one tennis player who kept his selection a secret for nearly a year.
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“I had to keep it a secret for almost a year and that was hard,” Richard Furubotten said.
The 59-year-old has been part of the Special Olympics since 2000.
“It’s like a dream. I have to either slap myself or pinch myself and say it’s reality,” Furubotten said.
Aiming for the world stage
Furubotten said he has wanted to do this for a very long time.
Special Olympics Arizona tennis coach Robert Granlund said Furubotten started packing two weeks ago.
“He’s incredibly excited,” Granlund said.
If Furubotten does well in Minneapolis, he could get selected for the World Games.
“I had a friend that go to World Games for cycling years ago. Came back and brought a VHS tape of the opening ceremonies. I watched and I said, ‘That’s where I want to go,’” Furubotten said.
Ready to compete
This will be the biggest stage Furubotten has ever competed on, but that doesn’t bother him.
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“The goal is to go out then and do the very best and come back with the gold. I’m not underestimating nobody. I’m going to be going up against younger people. I’m the oldest in my division, but I’m ready for the fight,” Furubotten said.
What Furubotten lacks in mobility, he makes up for in power.
“I think my serves are very good and very fast. Clocked at almost 70 mph,” Furubotten said.
He is dedicated, too, practicing in the Arizona heat.
“Life of a tennis player. A lot of water and Gatorade,” Furubotten said.
He said he is proving his physical and mental toughness.
“I always tell people either you’re in my way, get out of the way, or help me along the way. Because if you try to stop me with what I’m trying to do, that’s going to make me want to even try harder,” Furubotten said.
Furubotten said people with disabilities are not to be held back.
“We can exceed anything in life. I’m 59 and I’m going to a USA Games. I never thought I would be doing this. And so I’m just trying to set an example for everybody,” Furubotten said.
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