Jake Harkey has been involved with Special Olympics North Carolina for over 10 years. Jake first got involved with Special Olympics as a high school student and started coaching cycling in college. He has been hooked ever since, coaching Alpine skiing, tennis, volleyball, basketball, track, and cheerleading, in addition to cycling. Jake credits his time with Special Olympics in improving his outlook on life and says he couldn't do without his time with the athletes. Outside of Special Olympics, Jake is a police officer in Boone, where he is active in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. Jake and his wife, Lauren, love the outdoors, looking for any excuse to get out and play to include skiing, backpacking and mountain biking. Jake is most looking forward to meeting athletes from all over the world while at Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.