SONA would like to thank everyone for their hard work in making past USA Scarf Projects successful; however, after thoughtful consideration and negotiation with Coats & Clark and Red Heart Yarn, Special Olympics North America will not be conducting a USA Scarf Project in 2013.

As the nearly 2,000 athletes paraded onto the field in Stevens Point, Wisc., I realized just how lucky I was to be given the opportunity to cheer on the athletes. As a first year intern with the program, I was extremely grateful that my very first week of interning I was able to witness the games. As ecstatic as I was to cheer on the athletes, I have to admit I was eager to take part in the Young Athletes program events the next day.

Whether you’re from Oregon or Eau Claire, here’s your chance to root for your home team at the Hometown Games this spring! Athletes will compete in track and field (athletics) competitions in communities across the state on Saturday, May 5th in Oregon, Eau Claire, Green Bay, and Racine as well as in Appleton, Merrill, and Muskego on Saturday, May 12th.

After over 30 years volunteering with Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI), Mark Wolfgram has been named the head of the Special Olympics Inc. (SOI) Basketball Sports Resource Team. This team advises the International Sports Rules Advisory Committee on all matters regarding development of basketball and basketball rules. Mark was nominated for the role by members of the SOI Sports Resource Team for his experience and assistance to previous chair, Suzy Chainey of Australia.

When a 53-year-old graphic designer from Appleton, Wisconsin embarks on a 4,300 mile hike across the country, one might wonder if he’s having a mid-life crisis.

David McHolland admits while this is his “Forrest Gump” moment, it’s also a chance for him to take a step in the right direction for millions of individuals with cognitive disabilities— including one very special woman—his younger sister Peggy.

When a 53-year-old graphic designer from Appleton, Wisconsin embarks on a 4,300 mile hike across the country, one might wonder if he’s having a mid-life crisis.

David McHolland admits while this is his "Forrest Gump" moment, it’s also a chance for him to take a step in the right direction for millions of individuals with cognitive disabilities— including one very special woman—his younger sister Peggy.

Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) is collecting handmade scarves for our athletes competing in the State Winter Games in January. Any volunteers who enjoy  kniting or crocheting can help provide scarves through the scarf project.

More than 300 coaches, agency managers, athletes, and volunteers joined Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) at the Leadership Conference at the Plaza Hotel & Suites in Wausau September 23-24, 2011. During the awards ceremony on Saturday night, SOWI recognized nearly 60 individuals, organizations, and media outlets for their dedication to supporting Special Olympics athletes.

In 1995, Mark Herzberg volunteered to manage Agency 2-13 South Wood County. Mark had been with the Agency since 1987. He started driving the bus to practices and competitions and was hooked from then on. When he started, the Agency had decided to focus on bowling, rather than training and competing in many other sports because volunteers were hard to find. But when the Balzer and Wirtz families moved to the area, they brought with them energy, enthusiasm and the vision to grow. The Agency now trains and competes in bowling, basketball team, track and field, softball and bocce.

by Anthony Werth, Special Olympics Volunteer

I got involved in Special Olympics in 2001 after my son joined the Ozaukee County Special Olympics organization. To be honest, I didn’t know much about Special Olympics at that time, only that my colleagues at the Milwaukee Police Department were involved in fund raising. I really didn’t give it much thought. I had other priorities.