David has always loved softball. But it wasn’t until he joined Special Olympics that he’d found what he’d been looking for: a team and a community that made sports FUN! 

Not only the games – even though those were great! – but also the practices, the friendships, the feeling of walking onto the field and knowing that he belonged there. 

Over the last six years, David has won medals, served on the Special Olympics Minnesota Board of Directors, and made memories he'll never forget. And at the heart of it all? The joy. The people. The FUN!

That's what the 2026 Athlete FUNd makes possible for athletes with intellectual disabilities (ID). Right now, every gift you make will DOUBLE, dollar-for-dollar, up to our $26,000 goal thanks to our Founding Partner, The Coca-Cola Company. Claim your 2X match to power inclusive competition, authentic belonging, and pure JOY >> 

Growing up with ID, David knew what it felt like to be left out. When he joined Special Olympics, that changed. Teammates welcomed him. Coaches believed in him. FUN became something he shared, not something he observed from the sidelines.

The 2026 Athlete FUNd keeps all of this going – and then some!!

Your support powers the FUN that shows up at practices, competitions, and every moment in between. We’ve got a major $26,000 goal to hit and, right now, your gift is matched 2X. Give today to DOUBLE your impact and bring more FUN into the world for athletes with ID, families, and communities!

💙 Let’s GO, team! 

Abby Thomas
Senior Manager, Global Strategic Partnerships