Special Olympics Kansas’ Post

We are thrilled to announce that Special Olympics Kansas has been honored with the 2024 Michael Lechner Award! This prestigious award is given annually to a Kansas Disability Program that has effectively advocated for community changes to improve the lives of people with disabilities. Named after Michael Lechner, former Executive Director of the Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns, the award recognizes impactful advocacy efforts. Examples include improved physical and program access, enhanced employment opportunities, greater community inclusion, accessible parking, alternative communication methods, expanded healthcare access, and powerful legislative advocacy. We are proud to continue Michael Lechner's legacy by making a positive difference for Kansans with disabilities. 🏅👏🏼 #OneTeam #Inclusion

Join us in welcoming our new South Central Region Director, Kylee, to the Special Olympics Kansas team! Kylee attended Southwestern Christian University in Bethany, Oklahoma, where she majored in Physical Education. She has a strong background in sports and is excited to bring her passion to our organization. Kylee's involvement with Special Olympics began in high school when she volunteered with her local organization. She’s thrilled to continue in this industry, and to show how crucial sports are in people's lives. Having just moved to the South Central KS area, Kylee and her husband are eager to explore! Kylee believes that 'special' means 'unique and better than the ordinary.' Join us in giving Kylee a warm welcome! #OneTeam 

Pictured: Current Special Olympics Kansas CEO John Lair, former Special Olympics Kansas CEO Kirk Miles (1974-1985), and Athlete Leadership Coordinator Josh Alters🏅 Thank you Kirk for speaking with our office and sharing Special Olympics stories and history!

We are hiring! The Schools and Community Engagement Coordinator position will play an important role in supporting and managing school-based inclusion programming in Kansas and supporting community integration. Additionally, this position will assist with meeting overall Special Olympics Kansas (SOKS) strategy goals and objectives. This individual will work directly with teachers, coaches, student leaders, and administrators in assigned schools and help them manage quality UCS programming. This consists of Interscholastic Unified Sports, interscholastic school teams composed of students with and without intellectual disabilities who train and compete together as equal peers; collaborative inclusive youth leadership and whole school engagement activities designed to promote awareness, education, and acceptance. Apply Now >> https://lnkd.in/gj562t3P

We are so excited to announce our 2nd annual Victory Gala will be November 9th, 2024 at Children's Mercy Park. This event offers businesses and individuals an opportunity for networking with notable members of the community; entertaining employees, client guests, and friends; and demonstrating a commitment to people with intellectual disabilities and the Special Olympics movement. All proceeds will go towards our programming for Special Olympics athletes across Kansas. 

We have exciting news to share! Last night, our very own Co-Chairperson of the Board at Special Olympics Kansas was promoted to the rank of Captain at the Prairie Village Police Department. Join us in congratulating Adam Taylor on this well-deserved achievement! Not only does he lead with passion and dedication within our organization, but also the Prairie Village community. We're incredibly proud to have such an outstanding leader like him on our One Team. 

Looking for fall & summer interns in our Sports Programs, Health Programs, and Communications departments!! Join our One Team at Special Olympics Kansas and be part of something dedicated to transforming lives through the power of sports and community. Sports Programs Intern: The Sports Programs Intern assists with the planning and implementation of Special Olympics Kansas training and competition events. Appropriate assignments can be developed for students majoring in: sports management, sports marketing, event management, physical education, adaptive physical education, non-profit management, special education, and recreation. Our goal is to cultivate a mutually beneficial relationship. Health Programs Intern: The Health Programs Intern will gain hands-on experience in the areas of developing, planning, organizing, managing, and evaluating fitness and wellness programming for athletes, coaches, and volunteers. Communication Intern: The Communications Intern assists with overall public relations, media relations, marketing, and content creation to help strengthen the SOKS presence in the state and build awareness about the programs and fundraisers. These are unpaid internships which will be located at Special Olympics Kansas’ State Office in Mission. If your school allows for an internship credit, Special Olympics Kansas will work with you to provide support for that credit. Please submit your resume and cover letter. The Communications Intern should also submit two or more original design samples. Include number of hours you would be available per week. Email application material to Kristen Nett at nettk@soks.org.

We're #hiring a new South Central Region Director in Wichita, Kansas. Apply today or share this post with your network.