Duff McKagan

RESUME: Musician. Guns N Roses, Loaded, Velvet Revolver. Member of the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame.

WHY BE AN AMBASSADOR? President and CEO Beth Knox has been a champion of things around Seattle. That she came in to do the Special Olympics USA Games and asked me to be involved is really cool. What I hope to get out of this is a chance to get closer to Special Olympics, see some real stories, and get more deeply involved in it.

ADVICE FOR ATHLETES ON PERFORMING AT A HIGH LEVEL: My field of play is the stage and a big audience. I always remember that the people who are there to watch are your friends. They’re pulling for you and they want to see you succeed. Feed off that energy. Then breathe, relax, and kick ass.

WHAT’S SOME GOOD HYPE MUSIC TO LISTEN TO BEFORE COMPETING?  They could always listen to Guns N Roses. That never hurt anybody. That or some good, fast, punk rock music.

HOW WILL SEATTLE FANS REACT TO THE GAMES? At its’ heart Seattle is the perfect place for these games. It’s a great idea to have them here. Seattle will embrace these games.

WHAT TO DO ON A DAY OFF: If it’s a nice day (and it should be) they should go sit on the deck at Ivar’s on Northlake. You’ve got a great view of the city and the seaplanes on Lake Union. If it’s raining, go visit the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) on South Lake Union and learn about Seattle.