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Acadiana coaches heading to Special Olympics World Games

Posted at 7:08 AM, Mar 06, 2019
and last updated 2019-03-06 08:08:59-05

Wednesday morning the United States team will leave for the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi.
Two of the coaches, from right here in Acadiana, shared their excitement for the upcoming journey.

For Cindy Landry, this year will mark her fifth year in attendance at the Special Olympics World Games.
Her friend, Landa Gann, who is greener when it comes to coaching at the games, says she’s thrilled to have someone like Cindy offering guidance since she became involved with Special Olympics.

“She got me involved actually to be a coach,” says Gann.  “And to go beyond what is our jobs as far as in school.”

The two first met working together in the Iberia Parish School System.

While Landa will coach bowling, Cindy will work with the cyclists. Both say it’s not about the sport but the athletes and showing the world no matter the setbacks, hard work and dedication can take you so far.

“They are like any other athlete,” says Landry.  “Because you have a disability doesn’t mean you can’t do something or you can’t go someplace”

Gann says that she’s excited to see all of the athletes compete and excel in their events.

To add to everybody’s new and exciting experiences abroad, the Louisiana ladies could not forget to bring just a little bit of home to Abu Dhabi.

“We’re leaving during Mardi Gras week,” says Landry. “So we have to bring mardi gras beads. We’ll bring some culture there as well. “