Special Olympics Wisconsin News

Over the past three years, Officer Tanisha Kerner with the Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility has continually been involved with Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI). After being introduced to the Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) by coworker Steve Janus, Officer Kerner said, “I couldn’t stop myself from being involved. I have met tons of people, athletes and made lots of new friends.”

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.

P&G, a Special Olympics partner for over 30 years, is thrilled to once again be supporting Special Olympics through their brandSAVER® program! Keep an eye out for the P&GbrandSAVER® coupon book in your local newspaper on one day only -- Sunday, January 1, 2012 -- packed with $95 of valuable coupons for brands like Olay, Crest, Duracell, Pampers and Tide.

MADISON, Wis.— Special Olympics Wisconsin is excited to announce that Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) has donated $21,000 to fund the Healthy Habits initiative, a program which provides resources to advance the health, fitness and lifestyles of the 10,000 Special Olympics athletes in Wisconsin.

To all supporters of Special Olympics Wisconsin,

As we approach this time of the year let me wish all of you and your families the very best for a joyous Holiday season. Even with the challenges surrounding us this past year, we continue to remain focused on providing the best services we can, year round, to the athletes we serve.

February is fast approaching, and that means its time to get your team together for the 2012 Polar Plunge® winter fundraiser! Be a Below Zero Hero by leaping into icy bodies of water across the state and raise money for nearly 10,000 Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) athletes.

Plungers consist of individuals and teams of students, law enforcement officers, business professionals and families.  Everyone is welcome! Too chicken to plunge? No Problem! Register as 'too chicken to plunge' and you can raise funds and stay dry.

On Saturday, December 3rd, more than 900 athletes, 350 coaches, and 250 volunteers converged in Wausau and Milwaukee to participate in bowling and volleyball competitions at the 33rd annual Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) State Fall Sports Tournament.

Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) held the third annual MedFest on Saturday, December 3 in conjunction with the Northern Fall Sports Tournament in Wausau. MedFest is a Special Olympics Healthy Athletes™ screening program that facilitates the required standard sports physical examination for current and prospective Special Olympics athletes. The physical examinations are conducted by volunteer medical professionals and are free to current and prospective athletes.

Nearly 300 snowshoe racers, skiers, and snowboarders will gather in Wausau January 28-29 to compete at the 2012 Special Olympics Wisconsin State Winter Games. Wausau’s Granite Peak and Nine Mile Forest have hosted this state tournament for the past 24 years. In anticipation of chilly temperatures, Saturday night’s dance will be a warm and tropical beach party! Stay tuned for more details.

Kwik Trip’s 2011 annual icon sale for Special Olympics exceeded the 2010 totals. From October 14-27, customers purchased an icon for $1 each, signed their names and hung them in their local Kwik Trip store to benefit Special Olympics. Of the $250,000 Kwik Trip raised company-wide throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa, Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) received over $146,000, an increase from $124,000 in 2010.