Three homegrown heroes will represent the Cowboy State in Abu Dhabi and Dubai next month at the 2019 Special Olympics World Games. Riverton runner Sara Dockham, Pinedale triathlete Melanie Holmes, and Casper powerlifter Ralph Slattery will be part of Team USA.

Their 8,000-mile journey begins on March 6th, when they arrive in Newark, New Jersey, for a two-day sendoff celebration with their teammates and coaches. From there, they'll head to the United Arab Emirates for the games, which will be held from March 14th through 21st.

The Cowboy State contingent will be part of over 7,000 athletes and 2,500 coaches from 150 countries, including 314 members of Team USA. The event will be staffed by an estimated 200,000 volunteers and is projected to draw over 500,000 spectators.

Special Olympics Wyoming has set up an online fundraiser for Dockham, Holmes, and Slattery with a goal of raising $21,000 for their trip.

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