Jean and Becky Deacon

She was named the 1998 Golfer of the Year in Tennessee-the first year the award was ever given out. She played in the 1st ever PGA Invitational Golf Tournament four years ago in Tennessee. Who is she?

She is Becky Deacon, a 46-year old Memphis, Tennessee athlete on her way to Ireland for the 2003 World Games.

"I've always looked up to my brother as an athlete," said Deacon, "so now I can finally do something he hasn't," she said regarding her trip to Ireland. Deacon has participated in Special Olympics for more than 30 years, where she began in track & field. Since then, she has expanded her skills to make golf her feature sport for the World Games, while also enjoying tennis, basketball, soccer, softball and even swimming in her spare time. When not in competition, Deacon keeps very busy as a special education aide for Memphis City Schools, where she has worked for 24 years.

Deacon's mother, Jean, is her most devoted fan, as they travel all over the state together. Jean remarked that her daughter has been fortunate to make it to many state competitions. "I used to travel as a coach, driver and spectator, so it's amazing how many friends we have made throughout the state. It's certainly a very rewarding experience," Jean added.

Deacon lives with her mother in Memphis and has one brother and two nieces who live in Denver.

Make a $20 donation to Special Olympics and receive a FREE Motorola handset. This was the most recent promotion run by Cingular Wireless as it continues its four-year partnership to fund the Special Olympics World Games. The promotion ran in 35 states and Puerto Rico from 1 June to 31 July.

Cingular Wireless and Special Olympics are pleased to have Motorola as the exclusive handset provider for this year's promotion. Motorola is demonstrating its support of Special Olympics by making an initial donation of US$100,000 to Special Olympics. For every handset sold and registered at http://www.isupportso.com/ during the promotional period, they donated an additional US$2 to Special Olympics up to US$200,000. Additionally, when customers took advantage of this promotional offer, they became eligible to win a trip to Super Bowl XXXVII, courtesy of Motorola, by registering at http://www.isupportso.com/ or calling (866) 327-8549.

Cingular Wireless has already raised over US$21.9 million for Special Olympics Team USA through similar promotional offers over the last two years.