Ghibaudy, 38, of Lexington has been a Special Olympics athlete for 17 years competing in basketball, soccer, flag football and swimming in addition to bocce. This is her first time competing at the USA Games. She works at Vinaigrette in Lexington.
“I look forward to traveling, meeting new friends, and a great experience. I am excited and nervous to compete. I am proud and very happy to have this opportunity.”
King, 26, of Louisville is going to the USA Games for the first time. She has been a Special Olympics athlete for 7 years. She has competed in softball, basketball and bocce in addition to bowling. King has worked in the unloading area at UPS for seven years.
“I am so excited to be part of team Kentucky and go to the 2026 USA Games. I can’t wait to meet all the new people. I watch it every time it’s on TV. And I am so excited to be a part of opening ceremonies and everything else.”
Meador, 18, of Bowling Green is in his 10th year as a Special Olympics athlete. He competes in track, softball, basketball, flag football and bocce in addition to Bowling. Beyond sports, Dillon is active in the Special Olympics Kentucky Esports program and is a SOKY Athlete Ambassador. As a high school student, he reached the state semifinals in the KHSAA Unified Bowling Tournament. He attends Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College. He will be competing in the USA Games for the first time.
“The biggest challenge I faced and had to overcome was learning to find my voice. When I first started Special Olympics, I was scared of change, being in new places and seeing new people. As I spent more and more time in Special Olympics, I learned to adapt and be less shy around everyone, and eventually I began making friends and becoming very social.”
Stull, 26, of Richmond has been competing in Special Olympics for 18 years and bowling for 16. He has also competed in track, basketball, swimming, flag football, softball and bocce. He has completed the Special Olympics Kentucky Athlete Leadership Program and is an Athlete Ambassador. Shane is also active in the SOKY Esports program. He works at Adventure Falls for the Richmond Parks & Recreation Department. He is making his first trip to the USA Games.
“I admire my coaches. They take time out of their days to help us and teach us life skills beyond sports.”
Frankfort’s Ghant will be coaching the Team Kentucky bowlers for the second consecutive USA Games. In 2022 in Orlando his bowlers claimed four gold medals — including two pairs gold medals, one silver and one bronze. The 2017 Special Olympics Kentucky coach of the year, Ghant has been a Special Olympics coach for 23 years, coaching basketball, flag football, golf and softball in addition to bowling at Stewart Home and School where he also serves as the Music Director. He has regularly competed as a Unified partner, including competing at the National Invitation Bowling Tournament several times. Ghant is an avid bowler in his free time and has recorded multiple perfect games.
“Coaching Special Olympics has been one of the best experiences ever. I get to coach individuals who have a true love for the sport that they are competing in. Also, it challenges me to be open minded about my coaching style. Not all athletes learn the same way or at the same pace.”