Mark enjoys parading with brother Bruce (right) through Genoa Italy during the Global Games Opening Ceremonies.
Hometown: Columbia, Maryland
INAS Sport: Track & Field (5k), Rowing
Teams: Athletes Without Limits/DC Strokes Rowing Team
Mark Worley is a 25-year old athlete who lives life to the fullest, making the most of all his abilities. Sports are a focal part of his life. He was blessed with an identical twin brother, Bruce, who shares his interest in athletics, especially running.
Mark started running at an early age, and built up his endurance to become a strong long distance runner. He and his brother competed against each other regularly, and were often seen in close competition together in Special Olympics meets, both at the county and state levels, and in many road races.
In 2003, Mark competed in the Special Olympic World games in Ireland, winning a bronze medal in the 3000m event (in a time of 12:01). He has run numerous road races, including half-marathons and a Metric Marathon of 16.2 miles. Mark also successfully finished the Baltimore Marathon while still a junior in high school.
In addition to running, Mark has developed skill in figure skating, a Special Olympic sport which he started in high school. He has won many medals, both in individual and pairs competitions (in both disabled and non-disabled events).
Mark is currently employed full-time by the community hospital as a Linen Clerk where he stocks various types of linen. As a result of his job success, and other achievements in his life, Mark was recognized with the MACS (Maryland Association of Community Services for Persons with Developmental Disabilities) award.
Mark is also engaged in a service project with his church. In preparation for a trip to Appalachia in July to repair and construct houses, Mark received construction training and is now part of a work crew that fixes up property locally.
Results Highlights:
- 2012 C.R.A.S.H.-B. Indoor Rowing Sprints Bronze Medal in Men’s Intellectually Disabled 1,000m
- Member of 2011 Global Games Team in 10,000m run and 500m indoor rowing
- 3000 Meter Run, Charles County – Special Olympics 11:40
- 2010 Maryland Special Olympic State Games 5000m – 21:09
- Run Through the Grapevine – November 7, 2010 8K – 40:00
News Coverage:
50+ Athletes with Disability Compete at C.R.A.S.H.-B. Indoor Rowing Sprints
Event shows great promise for integration of athletes with intellectual, physical, and visual disabilities into prominent sporting events Boston, MA – Over 50 athletes with disabilities competed amongst the 2,200+ total participants at the 2012 C.R.A.S.H.-B. Sprints, an annual indoor rowing competition that took place earlier today at Boston University’s Agganis Arena. Competitors rowed 1,000 or 2,000 meters against the clock on sponsor Concept2 ergometers in various categories including Men’s and Women’s Open, Lightweight,...
read moreVideo: Team USA Indoor Rowing Relay Practice at 2011 Global Games Italy
Sarah Gilbert, Bruce Worley and Mark Worley, members of the US team competing at the 2011 Global Games Indoor Rowing World Championships, received coaching on how to transition in a four-person relay from Julie Holman and Italian Rowing Team Coach Frederica.
read moreVideo: Mark Worley competes in the 500m Global Games Indoor Rowing World Championships
Mark earns a top 13 ranking with this 500m erg race in Colgoletto Italy during the 2011 Global Games World Championships.
read moreLea Leads Team USA with Two World Championship Gold Medals at Global Games in Italy
October 10, 2011 Washington, DC - Six elite athletes with intellectual disability represented the United States at the INAS Global Games World Championships in Italy from September 24 - October 3. Nearly 700 athletes from 40 countries competed in swimming, athletics, tennis, basketball, indoor soccer, cycling, and table tennis. The Global Games are a major preparatory competition for the London 2012 Paralympic Games where for the first time since 2000 people with intellectual disability will be compete in swimming, table tennis, and athletics.
read moreGlobal Games World Championships for Para-Athletes with Intellectual Disability Begins in Italy
September 29, 2011 Loano, Italy — The competition for the team of US athletes at the 2011 INAS/IPC Global Games in Liguria Italy began today when swimmers Leslie Cichocki and Sarah Gilbert took to the water at Palasporte, the 50m outdoor competition pool in Loano, Italy.
read moreUS Athletes Without Limits Head to Italy for Global Games
September 1, 2011 – Athletes Without Limits, a nonprofit dedicated to helping athletes with intellectual disability integrate and accelerate in sport, is proud to announce a strong US National team for the 2011 INAS Global Games. The Games are the world championship for athletes with intellectual disability and a key qualifier in Swimming, Track & Field for London 2012 Paralympic Games. Athletes Without Limits will be leading a team of six athletes to Liguria, Italy, for the prestigious international event that takes place every 4 years...
read moreAthletes Without Limits, DC Strokes Launch “America Rows” Program for Athletes with Intellectual Disability & Paralympic Dreams
May 2011: The athletes train together with Wakefield High School rowers to learn to row and race 8-man sweeps, fours, and pair sculling in open competition.
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