Kenny Merritt of Berea returns as the Team Kentucky golf coach, a position he held at the 2010 Games as well. His 2010 golfers posted a Gold Medal finish in individual stroke play and a Silver in unified team play. Merritt has been a Special Olympics volunteer, official and fundraiser for more than 20 years, filling key role at a number of state events each year. He works at Toyota Motor Manufacturing.

Eric Duncanson, 40, of Bardstown qualified for selection to Team Kentucky after winning his first individual stroke play Special Olympics Gold Medal ever at the Special Olympics Kentucky State Golf Tournament held Aug. 11, at Lindsey Golf Course on Fort Knox. This will be his first time competing at the National or World Games level. He has been a Special Olympics athlete for 12 years and has been golfing for 13. In addition to golf, Duncanson has played softball in the Special Olympics program. He works at Bardstown Country Club at Maywood.

What are your biggest accomplishments?: Nine consecutive regional golf titles, 8 second place finishes at the Kentucky State Tournament, 2012 Kentucky State Champion.
How has Special Olympics changed your life?: It’s given me a sense of accomplishment while pursuing my true love, golf. It’s also given me the opportunity to represent Kentucky in the USA Games.
What does Special Olympics and competing in the USA Games mean to you?: It’s the culmination of nine years competing in the State Tournament.

What are your biggest accomplishments?: Tee has won several Gold Medals for Special Olympics State Track; We won three consecutive Gold Medals in Kentucky State Unified Golf.
How has Special Olympics changed your life?: It’s given Tee the opportunity to compete and learn teamwork on sports team like others. He has participated in sports all his life but SOKY allows him to compete with his peers.
What does Special Olympics and competing in the USA Games mean to you?: Being allowed the opportunity to represent Team Kentucky has been a goal of Team Salinas and it means a great deal to the whole family. Tee is very happy and excited to be competing in the USA Games. We are grateful for this opportunity and are excited to experience the USA Games with other family members of Team Kentucky.