NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — The opening ceremony of the Special Olympics USA Games is happening this Saturday in Minneapolis, Minn.
Nearly 170 Team Florida athletes are competing in more than 16 sports.
Laura Wuerker is part of the golf team and says it has positively impacted her life.
Wuerker honed her game at Timber Greens Country Club in New Port Richey ahead of the tournament. Her practice routine is simple: She puts on her glove, takes a few practice swings and then smashes a long drive.
“I play twice a week,” Wuerker said while driving a golf cart. “Tuesdays and Fridays.”
She is representing her hometown of New Port Richey and Florida in this year’s Special Olympics USA Games.
“I’m really excited,” she said. “So excited to have fun, compete and be with my athletes.”
Wuerker’s coach, Mary Beth Radigan, said she is looking forward to a successful week for her team.
“She’s got the drive, she’s got the spirit, and such a positive energy,” Radigan said. “So, out of the kids that we’re taking, she’s one of our leaders. We’re going to do well.”
But Radigan said this is about more than the work put in by the athletes — the friendships players build and the support from staff members make a lasting impact.
“Especially after they’re done with high school,” Radigan said. “They need that extra support, and Special Olympics provides healthy athletes and community. It’s their friends.”
Radigan said Wuerker is inspiring more than her teammates.
“Laura inspires everyone. Her positive attitude,” she said. “You wake up in a bad mood, you see Laura and the way she is daily, that’s what inspires me.”
And Wuerker is incredibly happy to take a swing at this year’s games.
“It makes me feel so excited and motivates me to keep going with golf and all that,” she said.
Wuerker is chipping away at the challenges, sinking her putts, and hoping to add more medals to her collection.
The 2026 USA Games run through June 26.
Demi Lovato and Jon Batiste are performing during the Games’ opening ceremony.