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OD’s Richie playing at United World Games |
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Tuesday, 16 June 2009 |
 Oregon-Davis’ Matthew Richie has been chosen to play basketball in the United World Games this week. Photo provided By Cheryl Patrick Staff writer
KNOX — Matthew Richie loves basketball.
He plays on the varsity team at Oregon-Davis High School; he plays with his friends and even his family. But this week, Matthew is playing someplace he never would have dreamed possible: Klagenfurt, Austria.
“Matthew was selected to represent the United States at the 2009 United World Games,” Matthew’s mom, Suzette Richie said.
The U.S. delegation is being sponsored by USA Athletes International, which said in a release it invites athletes on its overseas trips who they feel will participate with the class, integrity and character of a true athlete.
The United World Games is an annual sports festival that is held in Europe. The participants are high school and college-age athletes.
Matthew was selected for this honor due to a recommendation from a college coach.
“Matthew was scouted by a college coach out of Michigan and recommended by that coach to USA Athletes International,” Suzette Richie said.
The Richies checked out the United Games Org-anization, spoke to the coach and did a lot of praying about letting their son travel to another country. Fortunately for Matthew, the result was good news. He will now experience an opportunity of a lifetime.
“I’m really excited and honored to have been selected for this event. And I’m looking forward to playing basketball against world competition as well as experiencing life in Europe,” Matthew said.
Matthew will be in Europe for 10 days. He, along with the rest of his USA team, will travel to Berlin, Germany, Klagen-furt, Austria and Munich, Germany.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 17 June 2009 )
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