Nagano bound

Valley Life editor

For 22-year-old Joe Pratt of Wasilla, the next 88 days will be among the best in his life -- today, he begins a five-day training camp at Copper Mountain, Colorado in anticipation of the Special Olympics World Games, in which he will compete next February.

Pratt dominated the Special Olympic Winter Games, taking three gold medals in the snowboarding competition -- in the giant slalom, the slalom and the Super G events. Now, he's be taking on the best in the world when the games begin in Nagano, Japan.

"This is a great opportunity for Joe, and for all of our athletes who are going," said Jim Balamaci, president of Special Olympics Alaska. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent his country."

Pratt, 22, is one of eight Alaskans who are attending the five-day camp at Copper Mountain. Team USA-Alaska consists of athletes Richard Champion, Stephanie Palinski, Alyssa Tucker, Shannon Sullivan, Amy Murrills, Desire Kelso and Amy Lee Stevens, in addition Pratt. Pratt is the only athlete from the Mat-Su Valley who will compete in Japan.

Pratt has been working hard to be in prime shape for the camp and the World Games. He regularly works out at the Alaska Club with a trainer.

At the Copper Mountain camp for Team USA, there will be events such as "Night of Nagano," which will introduce Japanese language and culture to the athletes through food, clothing and decor.

The Nagano games are the eighth in Special Olympics Winter Games history. There will be an estimated 200 Americans at the event, which will bring together more than 80 countries from around the world for events ranging from snowboarding to floor hockey, and everything in between.

"We are excited, and all of our athletes are excited about the chance to participate in the World Winter Games," Balamaci said.