Madison, Wis. (PRESS RELEASE) – Wisconsin Athletics announced recently that Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) has been selected to participate in their Badgers Give Back program. Badgers Give Back is an organization at the flagship state university in Madison that is committed to enriching lives by encouraging, engaging, and serving others to create a culture that produces a habit of giving back to communities.
SOWI will be one of just 28 organizations partnering with Wisconsin Athletics through Badgers Give Back. SOWI will be recognized in the Health and Wellness and Servant Leadership pillars of Badgers Give Back, which will engage UW student-athletes, faculty, and alumni as volunteers to support SOWI athletes and enable the organizations to develop long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships.
“Special Olympics Wisconsin is honored to have been selected by Wisconsin Athletics to participate in the Badgers Give Back program,” Special Olympics Wisconsin’s President and CEO Kathleen Roach said. “Our mission and goals are really well aligned with Badgers Give Back. We both value community involvement and aim to engage our communities in personal development, physical activities and healthy lifestyle choices.”
Through volunteer experiences, the UW student-athletes, faculty and alumni will have the invaluable opportunity to realize the capabilities of individuals with intellectual disabilities while contributing to impactful community programs. In return, SOWI athletes will have the ability to build relationships with UW student-athletes, faculty, and alumni, feel supported by the community, and attend various Wisconsin Athletics games and practices.
As a primarily volunteer-run organization, serving over 10,000 athletes and sustaining over 16,000 volunteers, SOWI has a continuous need for volunteers for activities, events and programs. Partnering with Wisconsin Athletics will be particularly beneficial for SOWI events that require a large number of volunteers, such as the Polar Plunges, Regional Track and Field Meets, and State Bowling Tournaments. Participating UW members will engage in various tasks, including handing out awards, being event judges, emceeing events, giving announcements during Opening Ceremonies, and escorting athletes at sport competitions.
Incorporating UW student-athletes, faculty, and alumni will bring a new twist to SOWI events, which will increase interest, engagement, and excitement for SOWI athletes. Because day-of volunteers play an essential role in the success of events, SOWI is thrilled to have the support of Wisconsin Athletics and in return, Wisconsin Athletics is excited to have the opportunity to build connections with SOWI athletes, coaches, staff, and other volunteers.
Contact:
Tommy Jaime
Director of Communications
tjaime@specialolympicswisconsin.org
(608) 442-5675
