SOMO News

This past week, the Missouri delegation traveled to Washington, D.C., for Special Olympics Capitol Hill Day, where we had the incredible opportunity to advocate for the athletes and programs that make a difference in our communities. Our team met with seven congressional offices and one senator’s office to discuss the importance of continued support for Special Olympics programs, inclusive health initiatives, and the role of unified sports in fostering acceptance and opportunity.

Throughout the day, we shared powerful stories of how Special Olympics has impacted athletes, families, and schools across Missouri. Our discussions centered on key legislative priorities, including funding for Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools, which promote inclusion in education, and increased access to healthcare for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

One of the most impactful moments of our visit was hearing firsthand from Special Olympics athletes who spoke passionately about how being part of the movement has changed their lives. Their voices served as a powerful reminder that advocacy matters and that every conversation we had on the Hill helped bring us closer to a more inclusive society.

We are grateful for the warm welcome we received from our legislators and their staff, who took the time to listen, ask questions, and show their support for our mission. The commitment from Missouri representatives to continue working toward a more inclusive future was evident, and we look forward to seeing how these conversations translate into action.

As we return home, we remain energized and committed to continuing this advocacy work at the state and local levels.