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Special Olympics athletes from Wisconsin head to Austria for World Winter Games

Posted at 6:54 AM, Mar 17, 2017
and last updated 2017-03-20 22:07:56-04

Three Special Olympics athletes from Wisconsin are overseas right now, getting set to compete in the 2017 World Winter Games. 

Along with several coaches, they're in Austria as part of Team USA. Bonnie Kahan from Tomahawk has been involved with Special Olympics for three decades. She'll be coaching the cross-country ski team.

"I guess the thing that I look forward to the most is seeing the athletes do their best and watching them perform," she says. "That to me is the highlight."

Snowboarder Daina Shilts, from Neillsville, brought home gold from the Winter Games four years ago. She's hoping for a repeat. Ashland's Kyle Robinson is an alpine skier who can't wait to hit the alps. And cross-country skier Heidi Van Able - she's excited for the whole experience.

"The most exciting thing about this is going to Austria, skiing with Team USA, and looking at the Alps and getting souvenirs," she says.

Waukesha Police Specialist Niki Nelson is also overseas - she took part in the law enforcement torch run, which supports Special Olympics.

The opening ceremonies are Saturday, and along with highlights throughout the games, will be carried on ESPN.

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