Athlete Biographies
"Let Me Win. But If I Can Not Win, Let Me Be Brave In The Attempt."
Joanne Counelis

Joanne has been a "long time" Special Olympics Athlete! Joanne seems to do it all when it
comes to Special Olympics! Achieving Gold awards in Aquatics, Bowling, Track and Field, and
now a proud member of the Sparklers Cheerleading Team.
When not swimming 200 meter breastrokes or throwing strikes, you can probably find her  
wearing all her Gold Medals while serving her community. She has successfully led the
campaign to extend the Lynx Bus System to Lake Mary, Florida; as well as an active member
of her church.
She recently decided to devote her Fridays and Saturdays to her loving boyfriend Frankie. "I try
to spend as much time with my Frankie because his mother just passed away."
Special Olympics Seminole County truly appreciates her sensitivity and desire. Joanne simply
states, "I do Special Olympics for God!"
Special Olympics Seminole County
Chris Freidman
Chris is originally from Philadelphia, PA, and although, has been living in Altamonte Springs
since 1999, he remains a true fan for "everything" Philly...especially, the 76'ers, the Philly's and
most of all the Eagles.  When it comes to ambition, Chris has been working part time at Publix
for the past 6 years and is a full time volunteer teacher's assistant for the PREP program at
Annunciation Catholic Church. When it comes to Special Olympics, Chris sets the example of a
leader and shares his passion with the other athletes.  From participating in just one sport 5
years ago, Chris now keeps a year round schedule including aquatics, track and field, and
power lifting! As well, Chris is actively involved with the Management Team, and our major
fundraising efforts, including the Court of Dreams. "It makes me happy when I can bring joy to
others with disabilities."
Aaron Hudson
Aaron Neil Hudson was born May 1, 1981.  Has lived in Seminole County his entire
life. He graduated from Morning Star School in 2002 and was named the
Outstanding Student in the JET Program at Lake Mary High School. He graduated
from Lake Mary High School in 2003. Aaron has enjoyed working at Publix
Supermarkets for over a year. While attending Morning Star School Aaron competed
with Orange County Special Olympics for three years. Aaron has been training and
competing with Seminole County Special Olympics for over eight years.  Currently
competes in Seminole County Special Olympic sports including:  Bowling, Track
and Field, Basketball, Aquatics, and Powerlifting. He recently competed in the State
Powerlifting Competition in Bradenton, Florida.In 2004 he was named Seminole
County Inspirational Athlete at the State Summer Games in Tampa.
Charbel  "Bubba" El-Khoury
Charbel is 15 years old athlete with Down Syndrome and has been participating is Special
Olympics for 3 years. He began training in Aquatics and then moved on to train in basketball,
volleyball, soccer, track, golf, cheerleading, and gymnastics. He will be representing Team
Florida as a swimmer. He currently swims Freestyle, Breaststroke, and Butterfly. At State
Aquatics in 2005, Charbel was disqualified for an illegal butterfly stroke, but was full of pride
when he showed off his Participation Ribbon. Special Olympics not only fun for Charbel, it is a
program that gives him happiness, a chance to showcase his physical talents, and an
opportunity to build courage and pride. Charbel thanks his family after every practice, "Thank you
Thank you for taking me to Special Olympics."
Mark Preston
Mark was born in Jacksonville, Fl. on August 9, 1980 and has an older Brother and Sister.  He
moved to Central Florida in 1982 and has been participating in Special Olympics for Seminole
County for 13 years. Mark graduated from Lake Mary High School May of 2001. Mark stays very
active all year by doing track and field, softball and basketball for Special Olympics.  When not
participating in Special Olympic events Mark participates in monthly "nightbird" dances, square
dances, and bowls once a week through the City of Altamonte Springs. Currently Mark doesn't
have a job as he believes his "job" now is to stay home and take care of his 92 year old
Grandfather. In his spare time Mark likes to talk on the phone, work puzzles, read, do word
search puzzles, listen to music, sing karaoke and attend football games at the University of
Florida.  Marks' favorite foods are spaghetti and "preston"burgers.
Eric Taylor:
"Hi my name is Eric Taylor. I am twenty-one years old and I have Cerebral palsy. I ‘ve
always been one who strived to be the best whether it was in school or in life general.
But I always wanted to play sports like my little brother. For example he played little
league baseball up until he was fourteen. I went to every game to watch him play, he is
my inspiration. As far as I go I found my way of playing sports and being just like my little
brother Nick. Thru Special Olympics it’s a year around program for people with   
disabilities to play sports. Now I have been in Special Olympics for fourteen years and I
have thirty-three metals that I have won and two inspirational athletes of the year metals.
I also have been to three National tournaments two in Golf and one in Power lifting
where I got a fourth and third place in Golf, and first in the Power-lifting tournament
where I lifted a grand total of four hundred pounds. That I always say to my friends and
mostly to myself in competition is "fall down seven times stand up eight". The sports
that I’ve done in my years with Special Olympics are: Golf, Bowling, Softball, Power
lifting, basketball, Athletics, and Volleyball."
George Gibson Jr.
George is 51 years old. He loves Special Olympics- its his whole life. He looks forward to
everything about sports. Right now he is interested in golf, and he his good at it and enjoys
playing the game. George works at Lake Mary City Hall 5 days a week from 7Am to noon.
George would do anything for you with out questions-He is a real gentleman. Haorah for
Special Olympics!!