How old were you when you discovered your PASSION?

For kids with and without intellectual disabilities (ID) who join our Special Olympics Young Athletes program, they could be learning to run or throw their first ball before their third birthday! Other folks don’t get in the game until they’re teens, adults, or even seniors. 

No matter when they take that first leap, every athlete we support has one thing in common: They belong in the Special Olympics family, and they always will!

That’s why so many athletes, like Josh who you see below, compete in Special Olympics for years, decades, and whole lifetimes. And it’s supporters like you, who make it possible! 

The end of the month is in 2 DAYS, we have a $25,000 GOAL to hit, and our Founding Partner, The Coca-Cola Company, is 2X MATCHING every gift! Can you donate now to help more athletes with ID discover their passion, no matter how old they are or how much experience they have?

Josh, a multi-sport athlete from the great state of Kansas, has been involved with Special Olympics since the time of sweatbands and leg warmers! His athletic older sister inspired him to take up track at the age of 8 – Josh was a natural talent. Fast forward through countless competitions, medals, and priceless moments on the field, and Josh’s forty years as an athlete are worth cheering! 🥳

And he didn’t stop at athletic excellence. Josh has traveled the country and world, is a doting and devoted uncle, and helps more athletes with ID just like himself start their own Special Olympics journeys! As Special Olympics Kansas’ Inclusive Leadership Coordinator, Josh is integral to helping local athletes find community and succeed, both off and on the field. 

We’re so proud of Josh and the MILLIONS of athletes with ID who have the courage and resilience to push themselves, inspire others, and live their lives to the fullest. Will you help hit our $25,000 end-of-month goal by Wednesday? Chip in what you can today to support amazing Special Olympics athletes, from the starting line to the podium, and your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar!!

For the athletes, 

Sean Wheeler 
Director, Strategic Gifts