Snowboard champ Ed Smith can't wait to hit the slopes in Colorado.

"A little nervous but excited at the same time," he describes his feelings of anticipation.

For the next week, he'll be training with the pros and coaches of Special Olympics Team USA in Copper Mountain, CO.

"Just training and trying to get out there and do my best," he says.

Already a champion athlete in track and field and bowling, Smith tried snowboarding more than five years ago at the suggestion of his coach. The sport quickly became his favorite, and he’s been competing ever since. Last year, Smith took first place in all three snowboarding events in the statewide competition.

Smith is the only Special Olympics snowboarder from the state of Wisconsin to make the national team, and will represent the United States at the World Games in Idaho this February. His family says it's a huge deal for the small town of Neillsville, and everyone is extremely proud.

"I didn't think it was possible to go to the World Games,” says his sister Lill Anhart.” I mean, they've always been to the local Olympic games but for the World Games, that's something really major. We thought they were good but we didn’t know they were quite this good,” she says with a laugh.

His older brother Danny, who is also a Special Olympic athlete, is the one who inspired Ed to get involved in sports. Danny says he always knew his brother could go for the gold.

"I was so excited that my brother is going to Colorado. I wish him the best in the world," says Danny. He hopes to one day make it to the World Games himself, for downhill skiing.

While expectations are riding high, Ed’s keeping pretty modest goals for himself.

"Meeting new people, trying to improve myself, and hopefully getting into the top three," he says.

A number of other Special Olympic athletes from the Neillsville area have qualified to compete in other winter sports.

The training camp runs for five days—and the Special Olympics Winter World Games will be held in Idaho from February 7th through the 13th.