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Local Athletes Head to Greece for Special Olympics

Chris Currere and Daniel Hester will compete June 25 - July 4 in Athens, Greece for a chance at the gold in the Special Olympics World Summer Games.

Chris Currere and Daniel Hester will take the trip of a lifetime when they go to Athens, Greece to compete in the Special Olympics World Summer Games June 25 - July 4. 

Both Currere, a graduate of and Hester, a Forsyth Central High School alum, have been named to represent Team USA on the Power Lifting team.

“I am most excited about getting to see another country and getting to spend time with the other athletes and coaches,” said Hester, who has been described by some as a “gentle giant.”

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In order to qualify for the World Games, the competitors must be nominated and they must have medaled in the sport in which they are competing.

Hester said all the athletes and coaches from Team USA will go to a host town in Greece where they will learn about Greek history and its culture.

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“If I have the chance, I will spend some time with my parents and we might see some sights,” Hester said.

Currere has been competing in power lifting for about nine years and Hester for about four years. Hester has recorded a 330-pound squat, a 325-pound bench press and a 455-pound dead lift.

Both Currere and Hester have increased their workout regiment in preparation for the Summer Games in Greece.

“I now work out four times a week,” Currere said. Hester said he is working out harder and more often. 

This will be the first time both Currere and Hester have traveled overseas and both said they are extremely excited and “nervous” about the trip. 

Besides lifting weights, Hester is a huge NASCAR fan (Jeff Gordon is his favorite driver). He has a strong Christian faith and is very active in his church. He loves being an uncle and his coaches all say he has an extremely solid work ethic.

Currere said in addition to weightlifting, his favorite sports are tennis, bowling and bocce. Currere also ushers at St. Andrews Catholic Church and is a member of the Knights of Columbus. He is an avid photographer and plans to start his own photography business called Picture Perfect Photography.  

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