GA Special Olympics Athlete To Compete In Germany's World Games

CANTON, GA — A Georgia athlete will soon travel overseas to join 7,000 athletes at the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.

According to Special Olympics Georgia, Ball Ground's Joseph “Caleb” Guy will compete in kayaking during the Games. He has been in the Special Olympics for 12 years.

In cheering on Guy as he goes for the gold, a send-off is planned for 3-5 p.m. Tuesday, June 6, at Chick-fil-A Canton Marketplace, 2048 Cumming Hwy. in Canton, where Guy is employed as a front-of-the-house assistant.

"We are so proud of our very own, Caleb Guy! Help us cheer Caleb on as he prepares for the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin. Let’s go, Caleb," read a March 24 Chick-fil-A Facebook post.

Visitors at the send-0ff can receive an autograph from Guy, according to the fast-food chicken eatery.

He prepared for the Games by lifting weights consistently and training with a local kayaking team, according to Special Olympics Georgia.

"Caleb is excited for his family and friends to watch him excel in Germany," the state athletic association said in a March 20 Facebook post.

Aside from kayaking, Special Olympics Georgia representatives said Guy has also participated in basketball, soccer and tennis.

He attended The Transition Academy, where he received vocational training and served as the school's basketball and soccer team manager for four years, according to the athletic association. He was nominated to the homecoming court in 2021.

Along with working at Chick-fil-A, Guy sorts and folds shirts at EC2 Creations in Woodstock, Special Olympics Georgia reps said.

"Caleb loves to watch college football, listen to music and sing in the youth choir at his church," Special Olympics Georgia reps said.

The Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 will be held from June 17-25. Competitors will represent about 170 countries and will compete in 24 sports.