Meet Jamie Staton's Virtual Running Team: Mile 9

Cory Remillard & Matthew Lawless
Name: Cory Remillard
Age: 29
Hometown: Derry
Local Program: Derry Recreation Timberwolves
Sports: Athletics, Basketball, Bowling & Powerlifting

Cory Remillard loves to compete. Cory will be representing Team New Hampshire at the 2018 USA Games in Seattle, Washington. He also participated in the 2014 USA Games in New Jersey where he brought home four gold medals in powerlifting. Cory started competing in Special Olympics in 1998 at the New York State Games and his father remembered that Cory had gotten scared when they shot the starting gun in his first ever race. He did not know what was going on, so he jumped into the nearest Army cadet’s arms. After a moment, Cory realized everything was ok and started heading down the track, waving to the croud as he went. Cory ended up finishing last in his race, but he didn't mind. From that point on, Cory and his family “fell in love with Special Olympics."

Cory has been involved with Special Olympics for 20 years and when asked what is his favorite thing about the Special Olympics, the answer is simple, everything. If you even mention anything about Special Olympics he just perks up. Cory loves the competition, the people, the friendships; he just enjoys being a part of the organization that has given him so much in the past 20 years.

Cory Remillard is full of energy and he enjoys representing his state and hopes to represent his country at a World Games someday. He has a big heart and loves to win. Cory and his father are looking forward to the USA Games and Cory cannot wait to be on the stage again doing what he loves.
Name: Matt Lawless
Age: 15
Hometown: Hampton
Local Program: Exeter Area Athletes
Sports: Athletics, Bowling & Figure Skating

Matt Lawless first joined Special Olympics in the fifth grade when he started doing athletics with the Exeter Area Athletes. From then Matt has started participating in bowling and figure skating, but his favorite sport is bowling. He explained that, “Bowling has helped my eyesight and strengthened my arms when I swing the ball at the pins.” In addition, Matt is an excellent figure skater and even won a gold medal at a Special Olympics competition in Connecticut. When asked what his greatest accomplishment with the Special Olympics was, he said, “Skating for the gold medal in figure skating is my greatest accomplishment.”

Matt’s favorite things about Special Olympics is getting to meet a lot of new people and making good friends.” Special Olympics has been a very positive and life changing experience for Matt. He feels he has become a better athlete since starting with Special Olympics. Matt explained that, “He is able to run faster since starting track. When I go bowling with my family I know how to swing the ball right. If he gets on ice, he as able to keep his balance.” From all of this training Matt has received many medals from his performances and he looks forward to many more.