Every day, people with intellectual disabilities challenge themselves. We're asking you to challenge yourself for a brief moment in the cold water to help raise funds and awareness for the life-changing work that Special Olympics Colorado does!
The Polar Plunge Series presented by Westerra Credit Union begins in just a few short weeks and it's not too late to register. Are you up for the challenge?
Submit Your Hall of Fame Nominations!
Nominate a coach, teammate or school to be recognized at the annual 2020 Hall of Fame presented by Comfort Dental!
Click here to submit your nomination (due Friday, February 14)!
Volunteers Needed for Winter Games!
We are seeking volunteers for the State Winter Games presented by United Airlines on February 22 and 23 at Copper Mountain. Volunteer opportunities range from skiing to awards to assisting with Healthy Athletes. Click here to learn more!
And don't forget about the Winter Games Family Reception to celebrate SOCO families! Come and relax, play BINGO, and learn more about upcoming events.
ALPs U Spring Semester Registration is OPEN!
ALPs University presented by Ent Credit Union Spring Semester will be held on April 5th at the University of Denver.
Questions? Contact our Athlete Leadership and Family Coordinator, Stephanie Levine. Thank you to our ALPs U presenting sponsor, Ent Credit Union and our event sponsor, Comfort Dental.
Spend a Week at Camp Shriver!
Apply to attend SOCO's first Camp Shriver from June 15-18 at the YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch!
Camp will be open to 12 Special Olympics Colorado Athletes, 12 Unified Partners and 8 counselors from SO Colleges!
If you're interested, click here to apply!
Have questions? Please contact Unified Schools Manager, Rick Brady.
Calling All Photographers and Videographers! 📢
Are you interested in volunteering to photograph or take videos of Special Olympics Colorado events? We're looking for volunteer photographers and videographers to capture our events for the world to see!
If you're interested, please reach out to Brittany Javor, Marketing Manager.
This year, the Colorado Garden and Home Show entry garden will feature a Special Olympics Colorado-themed interactive sports display along with hundreds of flowers in bloom, installed by Laura and Roger Heath from Town & Country Landscaping.
SOCO athletes and families are invited to attend the 2020 Colorado Garden and Home Show from Feb 22 to March 1! Upon entry, athletes and their families should go to Will Call at the Colorado Convention Center and let them know you are an athlete to receive up to four complimentary tickets.
Special Olympics Colorado Athletes Compete at the 2020 X Games
On January 23, seven SOCO athletes competed in Unified Skiing and Unified Snowboarding at the 2020 X Games in Aspen.
For each competition, athletes were paired up with a professional athlete. SOCO skiier, Palmer Lyons won the gold with Gus Kenworthy in the Unified Ski Slalom competition!
Congratulations to all of the athletes who competed! You can find the full results here.
Legend High School Receives National Banner Recognition
In partnership with the Denver Broncos and United Airlines, Legend High School received their Unified Champion Schools National Banner on January 14th! As a National Banner School, Legend has demonstrated commitment to inclusion by meeting 10 national standards of excellence and are now recognized with the highest honor available to Unified Champion schools!
The presentation included Miles the Mascot and Bronco Ring of Famer, Steve Atwater.
LETR State Kickoff Conference Held at Coors Field!
What a way to start 2020! Nearly 200 Law Enforcement Torch Run officers gathered for the Kickoff Conference to recognize LETR's great accomplishments from 2019, while discussing goals for 2020! In 2019, law enforcement from across the state raised $1,325,058 for SOCO athletes and Officer Brad Gagon of the Arvada Police Department received the Unsung Hero Award! Click here to see Officer Gagon in action!
Thank you to all of the LETR Agencies across Colorado who support Special Olympics Colorado! We greatly appreciate all you do for our athletes.
Thank you Smile Generation for sponsoring our 2020 LETR Kickoff Conference!
Meet Jena Twete, our Fitness and Wellness Manager
Favorite Sport: Basketball
Hometown: Cedarburg, WI
Hobbies: Working out, scrap-booking, baking, and hanging with my dog and family.
What do you love about SOCO? I have the joy of working closely with about 80 of our athletes who have been trained to be Fitness Captains. It is amazing to work with a group of athletes who are committed to fitness and spreading the importance of fitness to their fellow athletes. I enjoy walking into a training and having a room filled with passionate individuals who are ready to learn and engage in leadership combined with fitness. It is great to know that we are making strides towards healthier lifestyles and injury prevention. It is wonderful to hear about the immediate impact our fitness programming is having on our athletes' lives.
If you have any questions about fitness and wellness within SOCO, contact Jena at jtwete@specialolympicsco.org!
SOCO In The News
Fire alarm gives Parker teen the chance at a basketball shot of a lifetime
Broncos, United Airlines partner with Special Olympics Colorado for national celebration
Hibernation is over as thousands prepare to take a Polar Plunge
WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL: Linda Lappe lands back in San Franscico
Monthly Winners
Savannah Overturf - Female Athlete of the Month
Dean Casebolt - Male Athlete of the Month
Mike Gagliardi - Coach of the Month
The Triplett Family - Family of the Month
Diane Mikulis -Volunteer of the Month
Tito's Handmade Vodka - Community Partner of the Month