On December 27, 2012, Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) athlete and Boy Scout Troop 300 member, Blake Anderson, received the highest honor in Scouting – the rank of Eagle Scout. Since joining the troop in March 2009, Anderson has advanced quickly, taking on many difficult tasks that are required to advance through six Boy Scout ranks.

Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) athlete, James Spoentgen, was thrilled to participate in the State Outdoor Sports Tournament in Eau Claire in August.

On Sunday afternoon the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Special Olympics held the first-ever NBA Cares Special Olympics Unity Sports Basketball Game as part of the 2012 NBA All-Star weekend festivities.  NBA legends and WNBA players played alongside Special Olympics athletes from across North America to showcase the power of Special Olympics’ Unified Sports® program, which helps unite communities and foster an environment of acceptance.the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Special Olympics held the first-ever NBA Cares Special Olympics Unity Sports Basketball Game as part of the 2012 NBA All-Star weekend festivities.  NBA legends and WNBA players played alongside Special Olympics athletes from across North America to showcase the power of Special Olympics’ Unified Sports® program, which helps unite communities and foster an environment of acceptance.

Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) athlete Rickie Kelly has been selected to participate in the first-ever NBA Cares Special Olympics Unity Sports Basketball Game, which will take place as part of the 2012 NBA All-Star weekend festivities in Orlando.  With support from The Coca-Cola Company, the game will tip off on Center Court at NBA All-Star Jam Session on Sunday, Feb. 26, and will feature 12 Special Olympics athletes from across the country, along with NBA Legends Clyde Drexler, Chris Mullin, Dikembe Mutombo and Sam Perkins, current WNBA players, and celebrities.  NBA stars Kevin Durant, Kemba Walker and Derrick Williams will also participate in

The Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) for Special Olympics recently celebrated its 30th Anniversary at the 2011 International LETR Conference in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Wisconsin received the Diamond Level of Excellence award, being one of 13 programs that raised more than $1 million in 2011. Wisconsin has the 6th Largest LETR Program in the world raising $2,386,592 in 2011 and a grand total of $19,270,049 since the LETR began in Wisconsin in 1986!

Since Danyelle Smith began participating in Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) more than six years ago, she has excelled in a number of sports.

The multi-talented 20-year-old has participated in track and field, turbo javelin, bowling, and golf. In addition to competing at the regional level, Smith has competed at several state tournaments. At the 2011 SOWI State Summer Games, Smith took home a 4th place ribbon for turbo javelin.

Renee Cappetto may keep quiet about her age, but when it comes to Special Olympics, this athlete is happy to tell all.

"It is the best thing ever because you can be yourself and fit in," said Cappetto.

For more than 10 years, Cappetto has participated in the deadlift, squats, bench press, and downhill skiing. One of her best memories was qualifying for the 2001 World Winter Games in Anchorage, Alaska.

Tackling Hurdles with Hope

The blistering august sun beats down onto the jersey of 15-year-old linebacker, Christopher Mark as he jogs across his high school’s football field.  Wiping away a bead of sweat from his cheek, he chokes down a breath of humid air, fastens the rusty straps on his helmet, and worms his way into the sweaty center of the huddle.

It's Much More Than Sports for This Athlete…
A thin young woman stands perched on the diving board and takes a deep breath, letting the chlorinated air flood her lungs. The 20-year-old girl peers down at her reflection in the rippled pool, barely recognizing the gold medalist who stares confidently back at her. As she gives the crowd a triumphant wave, it dawns on her that this is her last State competition before the World Games in Greece. Her brown eyes dart back and forth in the sea of cheering fans until she catches her mother’s eyes and smiles, grateful for the woman who introduced her to the Special Olympics family.