To officially kick off Special Olympics Wisconsin’s 50th Anniversary, community partners Traction Factory and the Milwaukee Admirals designed and created commemorative SOWI 50th Anniversary jerseys. The Admirals wore the snazzy new navy and gold sweaters for their first home weekend series of February, then auctioned them off to raise funds for Special Olympics Wisconsin.
The overall reception of the week-long auction was incredible, and paired with proceeds from game day 50/50 raffles, the Admirals recently announced they raised $21,771—all dollars directly supporting Special Olympics Wisconsin sports and health programming.
“Partnerships like these add so much to the work we do at Special Olympics Wisconsin,” said SOWI Interim President & CEO, Don Wigington. “We were wowed by the Admirals and Traction Factory’s commitment to making this auction truly remarkable. But we are also thankful for how these partners continue to provide a platform to tell the stories and showcase the dedication of our Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes, truly promoting inclusion across all realms.”
Saturday’s game not only featured a thrilling 7-5 Admirals victory over the rival Chicago Wolves, but Neillsville native Daina Shilts was honored for claiming her 2022 X Games gold medal, received just weeks prior at X Games Aspen. Daina met Admirals fans and admirers, signed autographs, and shared her story with those in attendance.
