CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The North Carolina figure skating community is coming together again to rally behind one of their own who will take part in the Special Olympics World Winter Games, as a member of Team USA.

After the games were delayed for two years, Ashley Tanner is now one of two athletes from North Carolina that will compete in Turin, Italy this March. 

What You Need To Know

  • Two athletes will represent North Carolina as part of Team USA  in the upcoming Special Olympics World Winter Games 

  • The World Winter Games are one of the highest-level competitions that special Olympic athletes can go to.
  • Ashley has been skating for over ten years at the Extreme Ice Center in Indian Trail 

“Every person needs to have an outlet. Ashley has found her outlet here at the ice rink, coming to skate, just to be able to get the wind in her face,” said Tappie Dellinger, Ashley’s figure skating coach at the Extreme Ice Center.

For Tanner, the ice rink has become her safe place. It’s where she has skated for over 10 years, overcoming her fears of going fast, spinning and jumping. But it’s also where she releases her emotions.

“Ashley has had a difficult year this year. She's lost her grandmother, her grandfather, and just recently, her dog, which was her best companion. And the rink has rallied around her. She has come here and found her comfort spot, getting on the ice, skating with all her friends, all the coaches,” said Dellinger.

With the help of her skating community, Tanner has turned her mourning into motivation.

“Her progress has been amazing, she has really improved a lot this year. Her power, her strength and her happiness on the ice is really starting to show through and we are super excited,” said Dellinger.

Her strength is a skill that now takes her to the big stage as she practices twice a week to represent Team USA in one of the highest- level competitions that special Olympic athletes can go to.

“I’m super excited and happy that I got chosen to go,” Tanner said.

“It's going to make me tear up. It brings joy to my heart to be able to give somebody the ability and to help them, strive and reach some goals that who knows, if we didn't offer the opportunity here, she would never have that,” said Dellinger.

As Tanner prepares for the competition, she said she’ll be competing with her grandparents on her mind.

“Really good and really happy that I could focus. I know they're going to be there to watch me in Italy,” Dellinger said.

Over 1,500 athletes from 103 countries will compete in eight winter sports. The other athlete representing North Carolina will compete in snowboarding.

Fundraising is currently underway to help Tanner's travel expenses as she heads to the World Winter Games. Find information on donating here.