Charlottesville’s Michael Downs Named SOVA March Athlete of the Month

Name: Michael Downs Hometown: Charlottesville, VA Age: 35 years old Number of years in Special Olympics: 27 years Special Olympics Sports: Golf, Bowling, Swimming, Basketball, Track and Field, Power Lifting Special Olympics Virginia Accomplishments: Michael has won many gold, silver and bronze medals, mostly in swimming and power lifting. He will be attending State Games in Virginia Beach in early November to compete in golf. School: Michael graduated from Albemarle High School. He has also taken a couple of classes at Piedmont Virginia Community College. Other Interests: Michael has been an employee at Red Lobster for 15 plus years. He is a volunteer two days a week. On Mondays he helps out in the cafeteria at Kluge Children’s Rehab Center and every Tuesday serves patrons at a local soup kitchen. He enjoys attending the UVA football games, baseball games and men’s and women’s basketball games. He loves going to the movies and seeing musical plays at Heritage Theatre. Michael has a wonderful following: his three brothers, sister, seven nieces, two nephews and, of course, Mom and Dad are all very proud of him.