Hi there,

The challenges, realities, and new normals that came with this year mean we’ve often had to search a little harder or a bit longer for the happy, hopeful moments of 2020.

But, for me, and the entire team at Special Olympics, we’ve been lucky to have these bright spots in plain view. And it’s all thanks to supporters like you.

This Thanksgiving, I want to extend my sincere gratitude for what this community has made possible and share a few of the ways we moved the Special Olympics’ mission forward this year: 

• Through new virtual workout programs, like School of Strength, and local efforts to send sports equipment to athletes, we’ve remained dedicated to helping athletes stay fit, healthy, and safe at home.
• Special Olympics is the largest public healthcare organization for people with intellectual disabilities (ID). That’s why we’re fully committed to help provide personal protective equipment — like masks and sanitizer — and other COVID-19 prevention resources into the hands of athletes and their families.
• We continued to combat the injustices and discrimination people with ID face. We continued to open hearts and minds. We continued to live my mother’s vision of inclusion.

When I sit down for dinner with my family today, I’ll be thinking of, and thankful for, these accomplishments and the athletes, parents, coaches, volunteers, healthcare professionals, and supporters like your family who made them happen.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous Thanksgiving,