N.C. swimmer will honor his father while competing

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A.J. Carr | News & Observer

RALEIGH, N.C. — When Dan Velez dives in the pool at the Olympics next month, he'll be wearing more than a stylish swim suit.

The former N.C. State standout also will be wearing the tattooed title of a prayer, "Afterglow," on his left arm in memory of his father, Jose.

Since Jose Velez was a native of Puerto Rico, it made his son eligible to try out for that country's Olympic team — and now he is Beijing bound.

"I want to thank my Dad," Velez said during a send-off celebration in front of teammates and friends Wednesday at N.C. State's University Club. "I want to do well for him, pay him back for what he has done for me."

Jose Velez died of a heart attack in 2005, when Dan was a senior at N.C. State, where he made All-ACC, set records and graduated with honors in 2006.

Read the complete story at newsobserver.com.

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