Celebrating Special Olympics

Community, Pride, and Perseverance

With the Winter Olympics officially underway this week and the excitement building for the Paralympics in March, Community Support Network (CSN) is excited to celebrate the spirit of sport, determination, and community by highlighting Special Olympics and the CSN clients who are part of it today.

Special Olympics is a global movement that provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities, promoting physical fitness, courage, joy, and friendship (Source: Special Olympics). Here in Wisconsin, Special Olympics Wisconsin brings these opportunities to communities across the state through programs that offer athletes the chance to train, compete, and grow together (Source: Special Olympics Wisconsin).

Today, Special Olympics is an active and energizing part of life for many CSN clients. Athletes like Robert, Dana, Andrew, Miranda, and Megan currently participate in sports such as basketball, bowling, bocce, and track & field. While this is not a fully inclusive list, it highlights just some of the CSN athletes who continue to be involved. Their participation reflects a shared enthusiasm for staying active, setting goals, and being part of a supportive and encouraging environment.

When CSN athletes are asked what they enjoy most about Special Olympics, one answer comes up again and again: the friendships. The connections formed through shared experiences, teamwork, and time spent together create a strong sense of belonging and community that extends well beyond the events themselves.

Robert, whose favorite event is track & field, shared that Special Olympics makes him feel proud of his hard work. He explained that winning feels great, but even when he doesn’t win, he is still proud of the effort he gives. His perspective highlights an important part of Special Olympics—celebrating commitment, growth, and doing your best.

Many CSN clients have participated in Special Olympics over the years, each gaining something meaningful from the experience. This February, as athletes around the world inspire us with their dedication and perseverance, we are proud of all CSN athletes who have participated in Special Olympics—past and present. Whether named here or not, every athlete’s effort, growth, and dedication are worth celebrating.