Nearly 900 basketball and swimming athletes from across the state converged on the campus of University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh April 12-14 for the Special Olympics Wisconsin Spring Games. For the second straight year, the Spring Games featured spirited competition in 3v3 Basketball, Basketball Skills, Team Basketball, and multiple Swimming events throughout the three days. An Opening Ceremony at UW-Oshkosh’s Kolf Center featuring guest speaker UW-Oshkosh Vice Chancellor of Enrollment and Student Services Erin Grisham and appearances by the Lourdes Academy pep band and Wisconsin Herd mascot Point ..read more

Grant will help fund healthy athlete screenings, updated equipment and enhanced training for coaches Green Bay Packers Give Back has awarded a $250,000 Impact Grant to Special Olympics Wisconsin, announcing the news with a surprise check presentation last Saturday, when the Packers Tailgate Tour group made a stop at the Special Olympics Wisconsin Spring Games in Oshkosh. Special Olympics Wisconsin provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develo ..read more

Special Olympics Wisconsin is joining forces with Jersey Mike’s Subs locations in Wisconsin for the 14th Annual March “Month of Giving” campaign to support local charities. During the month of March, customers will have the option to round up their purchase to the nearest dollar or donate $1, $3, or $5 when placing their order. The Month of Giving campaign will culminate with Jersey Mike’s “Day of Giving” on Wednesday, March 27, when local Jersey Mike’s restaurants will give 100 percent of the day’s sales – not just profit – to Special Olympics Wisconsin. “This is an exciting opportunity to ma ..read more

True peace begins with a smile and science tell us that smiling improves our mood, and those who smile tend to be happier, more energetic, and healthier. However, for many Special Olympics athletes, access to the dental care required to get that beautiful smile can sometimes be difficult. The Special Smiles® initiative was established to assure Special Olympics athletes have access to proper dental care. Special Smiles screenings are offered at all Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) statewide events and provide screenings, health education, and prevention services, in addition to referring athl ..read more

Special Olympics Wisconsin Athlete Annie Mulligan and Unified Partner Daisy Lang, along with SOWI President & CEO Chad Hershner and VP of Marketing & Communications Addie Teeters, represented SOWI in Washington, D.C. for Special Olympics’ annual Capitol Hill Day advocacy work. Special Olympics athletes, serving as self-advocates, have been leading hundreds of face-to-face meetings with members of Congress in both the House and Senate, inviting their elected officials to partner with them in supporting inclusive education and health initiatives for people with intellectual disabilities ..read more

Special Olympics Wisconsin and its Board of Directors has announced Addie Teeters as the next Vice President of Marketing & Communications. “Addie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the organization and has a deep personal passion for the work we do,” SOWI President & CEO Chad Hershner said. “Her experience will be an invaluable asset to our organization-wide branding, marketing, and communications initiatives and we are thrilled to have her join the team.” Teeters has spent her entire professional career in communications and marketing, drawn specifically to innovative mes ..read more

Special Olympics Wisconsin and its Board of Directors has announced Nicholas Reising as the next Vice President of Development. “We are thrilled to have Nick join the team,” SOWI President & CEO Chad Hershner said. “He brings vast knowledge of fundraising, non-profit executive leadership, and working in federated models to Special Olympics Wisconsin. He will make an immediate impact with our development and special events initiatives.” Reising offers an integrated approach to development and extensive experience with fundraising activities and events, strategic marketing campaigns, and don ..read more

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has awarded Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) $191,000 to expand its Inclusive Health program. This grant is part of a statewide effort intended to improve Medicaid home and community-based services that help older adults and people who have disabilities. A total of $12.75 million is being awarded to 91 organizations statewide during this round of funding. SOWI’s awarded project will raise awareness around the issue of health disparities facing people with ID, foster development focused on delivering care to people with ID, and ultimately creat ..read more

Special Olympics Wisconsin was well-represented at Special Olympics World Games Berlin this June, sending a strong contingency of athletes, coaches, and support staff representing Team Special Olympics USA. Medals were won, memories were made, and an incredible experience for all capped off a two-week celebration of inclusion through sport. Swimmer Peter Liu (Madison) earned a bronze medal in the 100-meter Individual Medley, and his 4×50 Medley Relay won silver. He also finished sixth in the 200-meter Breaststroke. Chelsie Workman (Rice Lake) took to the Athletics arena, also earning a pair o ..read more

WHITEWATER, Wis. – Nearly 1,200 athletes from across the state were welcomed to compete in the 2023 Special Olympics Wisconsin Summer Games on the campus of University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. The Summer Games featured competition in Athletics (Track & Field), Cornhole, Powerlifting (supported by USA Powerlifting), Soccer, and Tennis from June 8-10, 2023. An Opening Ceremony in Perkins Stadium celebrated all athletes, coaches, family, and fans Thursday night, emceed by athlete and SOWI staff member, Jaime Jenks and SOWI Board Member, Julia Fello. The pair welcomed special guests to the pr ..read more