Grace Anne Braxton, who works at the University of Mary Washington, will compete at the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, Greece from June 25-July 4.
Braxton, currently ranked as the top female golfer in the Special Olympics, will play the sport among 135 athletes from five different racing levels during the games.
“I am excited about learning a new language and meeting new people from all over the world,” said Braxton, who has has traveled to locations within the United States and China to participate in Special Olympics sporting events. “I enjoy meeting new people and going to different golf courses.”
An accomplished athlete born with an intellectual disability, Braxton won the Special Olympics National Golf Championship in 2005. She also received a gold medal at the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai, China. In 2010, she won a gold medal in golf at the Special Olympics USA National Games in Lincoln, Neb.
Braxton, who was featured on the cover of “Virginia Golfer Magazine” in 2006, also is a swimmer and bowler. She was awarded a gold medal in swimming in 1991.
A Special Olympics athlete for 25 years Braxton has worked for Sodexo at UMW for 16 years. She currently serves as an Eagle’s Nest dining room attendant.
“She is a valuable member of our team. We are very proud of what she has accomplished not only on the job, but in her life, and wish her luck in the 2011 World Games,” said Kori Dean, general manager of UMW Dining Services.
A Fredericksburg native who attended James Monroe High School, Braxton has been named Special Olympics Virginia 2010 Athlete of the Year. She received the same honor in 1992. In addition in 2010, she was recognized by the Girl Scout Commonwealth Council of Virginia with a “Women of Distinction” award for exemplifying courage.
The Special Olympics are held every two years. During this year’s games, Braxton will be among a total of 7,500 athletes from around the world competing in 22 sports.