50th Anniversary of Special Olympics Wyoming

Floor Speech

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Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of Special Olympics Wyoming, an organization that has made a profound difference in the lives of many Wyoming citizens.

In October, Special Olympics Wyoming will celebrate its 50th anniversary held in conjunction with its annual State Fall Tournament in Casper.

Special Olympics was founded in 1962 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver. It began in Maryland as a summer camp for youth with intellectual disabilities. Rosemary Kennedy, Eunice's sister, had an intellectual disability and was the inspiration for Eunice. By 1968, Special Olympics had become a worldwide sensation. Over 1,000 participants competed in the first International Special Olympics Games in Chicago.

Special Olympics Wyoming was established 10 years later in 1972 by Helen and Lloyd Wampler. Their first event was the Wyoming Summer Games at Natrona County High School, where 215 athletes competed in track and field or swimming.

Special Olympics Wyoming offers year-round athletic and sports training for youth and adults who have an intellectual disability. They provide ``opportunities to develop physical fitness skills, express courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of talents, skills and friendship with their families, friends, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.''

As the Wyoming athletes strive to meet their athletic goals, their participation and success within the program accentuates why Special Olympics Wyoming was started. Today, there are roughly 1,600 active athletes throughout Wyoming who participate in 16 different sports.

Special Olympics Wyoming hosts five annual statewide events that promote healthy competition, refine athletic skills, and build friendships statewide. These events include the State Winter Games, State Summer Games, Summer Sports Classic, Equestrian Show, and the State Fall Tournament.

Former Special Olympics Wyoming CEO, Priscilla Dowse, is an exceptional example of this type of dedication. During her 44-year involvement in the program, Dowse more than tripled the number of athletes, expanded the unified partners from 70 to 525, and increased fundraising efforts from $15,000 to $186,000 with the partnership from Wyoming law enforcement.

Her commitment to Special Olympics Wyoming led her to travel internationally and incorporate different training and leadership programs in an effort to improve Special Olympics Wyoming. Dowse described Special Olympics Wyoming as `` . . . a place that individuals with intellectual disabilities had a place to shine, to be successful, to have fun and laugh. And I was mesmerized,''

Since Dowse's retirement, the organization has continued to grow under the leadership of Jen Haines. As Dowse said ``if you put a team together, there's almost nothing they can't do.'' Jen's unwavering commitment will be a strong asset as the organization continues to thrive.

The mission of Special Olympics Wyoming would not be possible without the resolute dedication of their staff members, coaches, volunteers and mentors contributing their time and expertise to the athletes. Current Staff and Board Members are:

Jennifer Haines--CEO & President

Tara Short--Vice President of Development

Bobby Casey--Vice President of Programs

Laura Kelly--Director of Program Services

Cathy Bisiar--Direct of Law Enforcement Torch Run

Christine Rodriguez--Office Administrator

Erin Gamroth--Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Molly Blomstrom--Office Assistant

Jessica Purdum--Director of Unified Champion Schools

Karen Beddoes--Area I Director

Chrissy Bowns--Area II Director

Marsha Dial--Area III Director

Carrie Pilcher--Area IV Director Board of Directors

Chair: Ron Casalenda, Douglas Police Department (retired)

Vice-Chair: Carolyn Griffith, the City of Casper (retired)

Treasurer: KieLee Ellsworth, Porter, Muirhead, Cornia & Howard

Secretary: Tiffany Vermillion

Bill Rogers, Jonah Bank

Kerry Namken, Platte Valley Bank

Lisa Foutz, Fremont County School District #1

Phil Grabrick, Gillette WY

Taryn Blackett, Natrona County SD # 1

Jen Haines, President & CEO (ex-officio)

Tess Robinson, Casper Senior Center--Athlete Representative

It is an honor for me to rise in recognition of this significant milestone for Special Olympics Wyoming. The impact and opportunities Special Olympics Wyoming has created for people living with intellectual disabilities is incredible. Bobbi joins me in extending our congratulations to Special Olympics Wyoming on their 50th anniversary.

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