Columbia, SC (WLTX) - Groups from all over the country will come together to compete in the 2018 Special Olympics, including one special brother-sister team from right here in the Midlands.
Anthony and Adrana Lyles, two students from Camden Middle School, will represent South Carolina as bocce athletes. However, these siblings have a connection that's stronger than most team mates.
But, they're not just good at the game, they're amazing. So good, that they're headed to Seattle this summer to compete in the USA games.
"I see myself as a role model when I play with my sister,says Anthony.
His sister, Adrana tells us she appreciates playing with Anthony.
She says, "It's greats to do this with my older brother. He teaches me every time we play Bocce and if I get it wrong he'll tell me to do it again and it's great to do it."
But their path to the Olympics has not been easy.
Special needs educator Ashley Middleton has known these athletes their entire life. Not only is she their instructor, she's also their aunt.
Middleton says she can see their dedication, "I love that they woke up at 5 am to go to state games and froze so that was fun for them and me."
Adriana was born premature and suffers from developmental delays, so Anthony sees his role as more than just a team mate.
"I have to teach her how to play and show her how to do this so as we're playing were going over instructions with her," he said.
Their aunt reminds people the reason bocce is such a great sport is because everyone can play.
She says, "I started them playing bocce because its an equalizer. No matter who you are you can play the game."
163 members of Team South Carolina will be competing at the Special Olympics USA Games from July 1-6 in Seattle.