Meet Jamie Staton's Virtual Running Team: Mile 22

Richard Coulter & Amanda Coviello
Name: Richard Coulter
Age: 54
Hometown: Newport
Local Program: Claremont
Sports: Athletics & Bowling

Richard Coulter first became involved with Special Olympics as a child in Washington D.C. There he participated in a number of different sports and event got to travel to the Netherlands with Team USA to compete in floor hockey. Since moving to New Hampshire in 1992, Richard has continued his connection with Special Olympics as a member of the Upper Valley Hawks and now the Claremont Cool Cats. In the past, Richard has participated in alpine skiing, cross country skiing, floor hockey, soccer and basketball. Special Olympics has helped Richard create long-lasting friendships, some over 20 years, which are very important to Richard.

In addition, Richard was selected to represent Team New Hampshire at the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games as a part of the bowling team. Richard was very excited to be selected for the Games in Washington. He is looking forward to participating in his events, cheering on all of his fellow teammates, and meeting and making new friends. For Richard, being a part of Team New Hampshire means a lot to him and he is proud he was selected.  
Name: Amanda Coviello
Age: 30
Hometown: Allenstown
Local Program: Capital Area Cougars
Sports: Basketball, Bowling, Equestrian, Floor Hockey, Golf, Skiing & Swimming

Special Olympics has changed Amanda’s life in many ways. Amanda feels that through participating in Special Olympics she has become more confident in herself and she is not afraid to try new things. She explained that she has always been afraid to talk to people she did not know because her speech is not always easy to understand, but she continued to persevere and even became a Global Messenger for Special Olympics.

Amanda will represent Team New Hampshire at the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle, Washington as a part of the swimming team. This will be her first time competing at an USA Games, but she did compete at the 2009 World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho. What is she most excited for at the USA Games? The answer is quite simple. To win a gold medal!