By Ann Leach

The participating athletes are fresh off the track from the Kansas State Special Olympics Games and they are still celebrating.

“The state competitions are a highlight for not only our athletes but also our volunteers,” Special Olympics Kansas (SOKS) Senior Director for Development Erin Fletcher said. “Southeast Kansas hosts two State Games in July for powerlifting and flag football. We just completed the Summer State Games. Athletes from across the state come to Maize, Kansas, to compete, play and make friends. This is such a great atmosphere of welcoming and acceptance. Athletes are celebrated for their accomplishments and get to know each other a little more.” 

Fletcher served several years as a volunteer for Special Olympics Kansas and joined as a staff member in November 2017. “The work that SOKS does affects every aspect of our community,” she said. “Our programs provide ongoing fitness and wellness information as well as leadership and inclusion learning. We are more than just a track meet. Schools are getting involved in our Unified Champion Schools program where athletes with a disability join with students without disabilities to form teams. They compete in sports and work together in school to create inclusion programs for elementary and middle school students. We’re all about improving the quality of life for individuals with intellectual disabilities.”

 Quality of life is important for all, and Fletcher is working on hers, too. “I ran track and participated in multiple sports,” she said. “I have competed in 5Ks and tried to keep up with Zumba and other fitness classes. It is important to stay active whether it is yoga or running a marathon. Lately, I have engaged in walking mostly. This exercise helps in so many ways.”

The Special Olympics athletes increase their quality of life by participating in the Healthy Athletes program that provides specialized health screenings for athletes as well as ongoing health promotion. 

Additionally, SOKS provides Athlete Leadership Programs. “These programs offer classes in everything from banking to public speaking,” Fletcher said. “And at the Opening Ceremonies for last month’s Summer Games, athletes who participated in the Athlete Leadership Council gave public speeches and welcomed everyone to the Summer Games.“

For those who would like to get involved with SOKS as either a volunteer or athlete, visit their website at www.soks.org. “From there, you select how you would like to be involved and our staff will help you along the way,” Fletcher said. “We welcome everyone to come out and cheer our athletes on, too. And there is a list of all of our upcoming events and how to get involved on the website as well.

See more photos in the July 20204 print edition or online on our digital issue