Junichi Kusakawa of West Windsor, a cross country skier for Special Olympics New Jersey, will compete in the World Winter Games in Sun Valley, Idaho, February 7 to 13, as a member of Team USA. He has been involved in Special Olympics for nine years. 24 athletes from New Jersey, along with five coaches, have been selected to represent the United States at the event.
Born in Japan, his family came to the United States when he was eight years-old. When he was 15 they moved from California.
A graduate of High School North, he has worked in the international foods section at Wegmans supermarket for five years. “My family went skiing every year but I did not cross-country ski until I came to New Jersey,” he says.
“The World Games means a lot to me because it is my first time going,” he says. “I have been practicing hard for a long time and I like to continue challenging myself.”
